Appellations

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2021

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

You can relax with Domaine de Chevalier in difficult vintages, and it is one of the few successes across both colours in 2021. The aromatics are a little closed, but the flavour and texture on the palate is immediately gripping. Slate, wet stones, controlled delivery of citrus, cold ash, gunsmoke, white peach, apple. Stretches out through the palate and is one of the wines of the vintage. Owner Olivier Bernard.

Score: 95 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2040 Date: 21 February 2024

Deep purplish crimson. Savoury nose with something more complex than just fruit. Good density and depth though still a little oak evidence (hardly surprisingly). Tingly finish. Polished tannins. Really quite fine and not lacking anything. Bone dry and on the refreshing side but it really doesn’t taste like a wine from a less-than-successful vintage. Good weight and balance in the mouth. Refreshing but not austere.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2028-2045 Date: 11 May 2022

The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier was terrific both times I tasted it. Potent and driving, the 2021 dazzles with Cabernet Sauvignon intensity in its aromas, flavors and overall structure. Graphite, spice, menthol, spice, rose petals, mocha and flowers run through a core of red/purplish fruit. The Blanc gets most of the attention at Domaine de Chevalier, but these days I find the red more complete and more interesting.

Score: 94 - 96 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2031-2061 Date: 01 May 2022

The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from September 28 until October 15 at 30hL/ha. Tobacco- and sous-bois-infused black fruit unfurl with a sense of assuredness on the nose, the best example, a third bottle toward the end of my tastings, being the most delineated. This has energy rather than horsepower. The palate is medium-bodied with pencil-lead-infused black fruit and a slightly powdery texture, certainly the most saline in recent years, leading to an almost Pauillac-inspired finish. Stylish and classic Domaine de Chevalier.

Score: 93 - 95 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2026-2055 Date: 01 May 2022

A medium-bodied DC with a pretty core of ripe fruit that shows licorice, blackberry and some currant character. Spice box, too. Very long, with fine tannins and plenty of energy.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 May 2022

The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier is full of promise, bursting with aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with loamy soil, bay leaf, licorice, potpourri and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, its velvety attack segues into a lively, layered core, concluding with a long, nicely defined finish. Olivier Bernard doesn't think that this will surpass his 2018, but I tend to disagree. The 2021 is a blend of fully 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Score: 93 - 95 William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 29 April 2022

A true success in the vintage is the 2021 Domaine de Chevalier from the team of Olivier Bernard. Based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it was harvested between the September 28 and October 12. It will spend 18 months in a mix of new and used barrels. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and focused, with the style of the vintage front and center, it has gorgeous cassis and darker fruits, notes of tobacco and violets, ripe tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's up there with the top wines in the vintage.

Score: 93 - 95 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 06 February 2022