Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2005

Pessac-Leognan, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

A glorious wine from Domaine de Chevalier, this 2005 reveals notes of graphite, subtle charcoal, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a long, multi-dimensional finish. This is a killer effort from the Bernard family, who own this famous terroir in Pessac-Léognan. Drink it over the next 20-30 years.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2045 29 June 2015

Perhaps the finest wine made at this estate in many years (no doubt due to the influence of wine consulting guru Stephane Derenoncourt), the 2005 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with tiny portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A dark ruby/purple hue is followed by a classic Graves bouquet of charcoal, graphite, creosote, smoked herbs, sweet black cherries, and spice box. The wine is elegant on the attack, but fills out beautifully with a multilayered, rich mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a plush, opulent finish. This brilliant claret may turn out to be even better than my score suggests.

Score: 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2030 01 April 2008

Now consulting at Domaine de Chevalier, Stephane Derenoncourt appears to have tamed the blatant oakiness evident in previous vintages as the 2005 is one of the strongest efforts from this estate in many years. The final blend, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, was cropped at a low 43 hectoliters per hectare. This deep ruby/purple-tinged wine possesses more texture and richness than usual, yet retains a delicate elegance as well as a superb fragrance (red cherries, smoked herbs, spice, graphite, and charcoal), a sweet, savory, expansive mid-palate, neither the structure nor muscle of the Northern Medocs, but silky tannins and a long finish. It should be drinkable in 5-6 years, and last for 20-25. Impressive!

Score: 90 - 92

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 30 April 2007

This beauty offers a strong argument that this may be the finest Domaine de Chevalier since the 1970. Stephane Derenoncourt, who was hired as the winemaking consultant, has built in more texture while retaining the terroir’s tell-tale elegance and fragrance. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, black currants, cherries, smoked herbs, and spice. With soft tannin, medium to full body, beautiful opulence, impressive purity, and abundant tannin, it may close down after bottling.

Score: 91 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2025. 30 April 2006

The Domaine de Chevalier 2005 has a powerful and quite burly bouquet with sumptous black fruit laced with truffle, cedar and a touch of juniper berry. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. This is an effortless Graves, beautifully proportioned with the oak seamlessly integrated. It builds in the mouth and fans out wonderfully with a kiss of black pepper on the structured, masculine finish. Clearly, this is one of Olivier Bernard's finest achievements under his reign.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2045 01 February 2015

(a blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 4% cabernet franc; 13.3% alcohol): Saturated medium-deep ruby. Rather backward but extremely complex nose hints at cassis, blackberry, graphite, minerals and spices. Sweet, broad and rich, with enticing fresh minerality giving energy to the rather ripe, full-bodied cassis and spice flavors. Finishes perfumed and very long, with wonderfully lush, supple, fine-grained tannins and an almost decadent floral element. This is still a baby and one of the greatest young Domaine de Chevalier rouge wines I have ever tasted. It will outlive most of us: don't touch a bottle before 2018.

Score: 94

Ian D'Agata, Vinous.com Maturity: 2018+ 01 April 2013

Good red-ruby. Plum, flint, smoke, tobacco, menthol and nutty oak on the nose. Fat, sweet, plummy and rich; offers unusual volume for this property, not to mention terrific depth of flavor. A large-scaled, very supple Domaine de Chevalier that finishes with substantial ripe tannins. This should evolve slowly but should be less austere in its youth than the wines made here before Stephane Derenoncourt was brought in as consultant.

Score: 92

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2008

Displays floral, blackberry and mineral aromas, with a hint of fresh tobacco. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. Has a fine, polished texture. This is a class act--the best since 1998 for the red. Best after 2012.

Score: 93

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012+ 31 March 2008

Lots of plum, raspberry and mineral aromas follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Very balanced and refined.

Score: 89 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2006

Very dark crimson. Sweet, dark cherry notes. Broad spread of ripe fruit - very worked and flattering. The tannins are notably riper than in most wines of this appellation and almost unnoticeable. A crowd-pleaser - quite big and full-on.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-28 10 April 2006

Olivier Bernard implemented an extensive program of replanting here back in the eighties in their commitment to excellence with these vines now maturing. Quality is impressive and was furthered by the engagement of Stephane Derenoncourt as winemaker. Fresh, clean and appealing on the nose. Sweet black fruit flavours expand in the mouth with a gorgeously smooth texture and a fine finish. Beautiful.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 January 1900