Domaine de Chevalier 2019

This is just gorgeous, you see exactly where it is going, with waves of unfussy but powerful black fruit aromatics, a beautiful wine that is full of density and complexity, pared back with restrained cassis and bilberry at this point. Hints of cocoa bean, tobacco, slate, truffle and smoked earth coming through, that will no doubt build over the next few years in bottle. Tasted twice, two months apart, both times hugely successful, easy to recommend. In organic conversion.

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Fresh and frank. Not overworked. Savoury finish with signs of top-quality oak. Interesting! Difficult to spit because it’s so appetising and well balanced. Long. 13.5%Drink 2027– 2045

60% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc.Inky crimson. Ripe, rich black fruit, cassis and black cherry. A slight leafy/herbal note adding freshness. More leafy on the palate but not green or unripe, just very scented Cabernet. Tannins are finely textured, becoming chewy as you taste, but polished. One of the most complete wines tasted so far in this small line-up of Pessac reds. (JH) 13.5%Drink 2030 – 2040

I loved the 2019 Domaine De Chevalier, which is unquestionably up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot that saw just 35% new oak, it sports a dense purple hue as well as a killer, quintessential Graves bouquet of darker black fruits, scorched earth, truffle, cold fireplace, tobacco, and graphite. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has brilliant purity, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's not a blockbuster but has this incredible sense of class, balance, and finesse while being rich and concentrated. It's a gorgeous wine, and wine lovers will adore being able to compare this side by side with the 2015, 2016, and 2018 over the coming 3-4 decades.

The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier remains a little reticent on the nose at first and takes time to unfurl in the glass (often a good sign, in my book), revealing black fruit, crushed rock, undergrowth and just a touch of brine, perhaps less than in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied, poised and harmonious, with fine-grained tannins, wonderful mineralité and a gentle build toward the saline finish. It gains weight and cohesion with aeration. A noble Domaine de Chevalier that will age with style. 2026 - 2060

The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier was harvested between 23 September and 12 October, underwent a triple sorting and a 30 day maceration before maturation in 35% new oak. It needs gentle coaxing in the glass, eventually offering broody blackberry, sous-bois, cedar and light brine scents that are certainly more cerebral than some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied on the entry with crisp tannins, slightly chalky in texture, fresh and mineral. It is very complex towards the finish with blackberry, sea salt and mineral notes, completing an intellectual Domaine de Chevalier with long ageing potential. 2026 - 2060

The chocolate, walnut, dark-fruit and stone character is attractive. It’s full-bodied and very tight and linear with chewy yet polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of intensity and complexity here, as always.

The 2019 Domaine de Chevalier rouge is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a lot of coaxing to unlock notes of warm cassis, crushed blackberries, and boysenberry preserves, with hints of rose oil, cumin seed, and menthol plus a waft of wood smoke. Medium-bodied, the plate is wonderfully elegant, featuring very finely grained tannins and lovely tension, finishing long and minerally.

Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Domaine de Chevalier was harvested from the 23rd of September to the 13th of October. The alcohol weighed in at a modest 13%. It is aging in French oak barrels, 35% new, for around 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it shoots from the glass with vibrant, intense scents of warm blueberries, blackberry preserves and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of spice box, violets, crushed rocks and pencil lead with a hint of menthol. The medium-bodied palate gives an appearance of weight from its sheer energy, offering bags of fresh, crunchy berry layers and a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and pure.

A lovely Chevalier, with rich tannins, juicy cassis and bilberry fruit, sage and pepper spice and a slate finish. Similar in style to warm but well-built years like 2000. Not the power of 2016 but this is an excellent wine, with lots to enjoy. Harvest finished October 12. Drinking Window 2027 - 2042