Appellations

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2017

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier is rather dense and powerful, but it is also not quite put together. Specifically, the focus and delineation that are such signatures of this wine are not present today. There is something about the wine's balance that is just not right. The coarse tannins and disjointed feel suggest fruit that may have been shocked during the April frost. Tasted three times.

Score: 88 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge was cropped at 34hl/ha between 11 and 29 September and is matured in 35% new oak for 18 months. It has a vivacious bouquet with quite generous black fruit, raspberry, brine and black olive that is well-defined and focused, if not possessing the complexity of the previous two vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly edgy tannin – layers of black fruit interlaced with melted tar and graphite, closing in a little towards the finish with a gentle grip. I appreciate the deft manner in which this fans out and leaves a mineral residue on the finish. A Domaine de Chevalier of refinement rather than power, one with “buvabilité” or “drinkability”.

Score: 92 - 94 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2045 Date: 01 May 2018

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier opens with a cedary waft giving way to a good core of crushed black currants, blackberries and mulberries with suggestions of black truffles, tilled soil and black olives plus a hint of smoked meats. Medium-bodied with a good, solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is elegantly fruited yet well sustained on the mid-palate and long finish. (93-95+)

Score: 93 - 95 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

Deep crimson. A little leafy, fragrant in a herbaceous style. Firm and chewy. Tongue-tied at the moment but there's finesse in the dark, dusty fruit and tender graphite notes. Smooth and polished yet compact tannins. Savoury, dry, subtle aftertaste. (17+ Points)

Score: 17 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2037 Date: 25 April 2018

Tasted no less than four times, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier is going to be up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot aging in 35% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by an incredibly classic bouquet of crème de cassis, crushed rock, pipe tobacco, smoked earth, and leafy herbs. Similar in style to the 2008, yet with more generosity and charm, it’s medium to full-bodied, silky, and elegant, with ripe tannin. Give it a few years and enjoy over the following two decades or more.

Score: 94 - 97 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

This is really delicious and round with soft and ripe tannins. Full body and juicy fruit. Shows ripeness and balance. A pretty wine to watch for the future.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018