Anne and Olivier Bernard in June 2015 during Vinexpo dinner at Domaine de Chevalier
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WHITE WINE
Domaine de Chevalier is situated in the middle of a forest area in the outskirts of Léognan town, approximately 17 km south of Bordeaux. Five hectares of "white" vines planted with 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon are on average 25 years old.
Fermentation (alcoholic) occurs at 15-20°C in individual barrels (without swirling) and lasts one month. Wine is aged for 18 months in 35% new barrels, with occasional stirring of the sediment, and is then slightly filtered.
The harvest of "white" grapes typically occurs in several rounds and can take up to a month. These grapes require careful attention – they must not be underripe (lacking in fruit sweetness) or overripe (lacking in acidity).
Between 15 and 20 pickers collect perfectly ripe grapes under strict selection, completing this task in 4-10 rounds. Grapes with brown spots and rotten stalks will, of course, not pass through this strict selection.
Domaine de Chevalier is undoubtedly among the finest white wines of Bordeaux. Its incredible refinement, nuance-richness, elegance, structure, and keeping ability have made it a worthy rival to the best white Burgundy wines.
Domaine de Chevalier enjoys a fantastic reputation among wine enthusiasts and is one of the few dry white wines with exceptional aging potential. It can easily manage 20-30 years and even longer from its birth date in excellent vintages! It takes you in with open arms in the first 3-4 years of its life, then it hibernates for 8-12 years, and afterward, it wakes up to life again.
Vintages from 1970 to 1982 were produced by the previous owner, Claude Ricard, who sold Domaine de Chevalier to the Bernard family in 1983. However, he remained at the property until 1988, teaching young Olivier Bernard the art of making white wine. Vintages 1983, 1984, and 1985 were made with the increasing influence of Olivier Bernard, and vintage 1986 was the first one in which Olivier Bernard was 100% involved. Denis Dubordieu was a consulting oenologist here for many years.
In 2003, Olivier Bernard brought Stéphane Derenencourt, a renowned oenologist consultant, to help improve the quality of red wine. It certainly has happened,
Tasting notes of white Domaine de Chevalier are mainly from 26 vintages in April 2005. The red ones have been updated with impressions from a vertical of 23 wines tasted at the property in April 2012. These 23 vintages were - 1983-4-5-6-8-9-1990-5-6-8-9-2000-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-2010-11.
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Domaine de Chevalier 2023 (barrel sample) 97-98p
Tasted four times - last time in September 2024. Consistent tasting notes. 70% Sauvignon Blanc + 30% Semillon. It exhibits a distinguished nose of grapefruit, citrus, and lemongrass, accompanied by great acidity. It is vibrant and sophisticated on the palate, with great complexity, many layers, finesse, depth, and length. It is a classic and sublime effort.
Domaine de Chevalier 2022 97p
Tasted twice - last time in February 2025. Consistent tasting notes. It displayed a dignified nose of green apple, pear, and lemongrass. It has great acidity. The palate is vibrant and sophisticated, with great complexity, depth, and length. There are many layers. This is a classic and distinguished effort for the property. Amazing stuff!
Domaine de Chevalier 2021 (barrel sample) 96-97p
Tasted twice in April 2022 with the same impression. A dazzlingly fresh and dignified nose of peaches, pears, and lemongrass. Great presence of acidity. Vibrant, sophisticated, and refined on the palate with great complexity, depth, and length. It is a classic and distinguished effort for the property. Amazing stuff!
Domaine de Chevalier 2020 96p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2023. Consistent notes. 70% Sauvignon Blanc + 30% Semillon. It has a distinct nose of pineapple, acacia flower, and lemongrass, with splendid acidity and a crunchy fruitiness, racy finesse, and a sophisticated touch, resulting in a persistent aftertaste. It is a spectacular effort for the vintage. Sheer class!
Domaine de Chevalier 2019 97+p
It tasted twice - last time in February 2022. Consistent notes. 70% Sauvignon + 30% Semillon. Alcohol is 14%. A dazzlingly fresh, sublime, dignified nose of flowers mixed with peaches and citron grass. Great presence of acidity. Lively, sophisticated, and refined on the palate with extraordinary complexity, depth, and length. It is a classic and highly stylish wine for the property. Amazing stuff!
Domaine de Chevalier 2018 96p
I tasted it twice, the last time in December 2020. It has consistent notes. 75% Sauvignon Blanc + 25% Semillon. It displays a distinct nose of pineapple, acacia flower, and lemongrass, with splendid acidity and fruit crunchiness, racy finesse, and a sophisticated touch, accompanied by a persistent aftertaste. This is a sublime effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2017 96-97p
Tasted four times - last time in December 2020. Consistent notes. It displayed many nuances and aromas, a sophisticated touch, great depth, a long finish, and great complexity. Crispy and with great acidity. Fabulous stuff.
Domaine de Chevalier 2016 95p
Tasted twice - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. On the level with 2015, there may be more acidity here than in 2015; however, it was less intense. It's still an excellent wine.
Domaine de Chevalier 2015 96p
Tasted three times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. As always, refined and sophisticated, with fine acidity, complexity, and structure. Slightly under the 2014 vintage in quality. It's a magnificent wine.
Domaine de Chevalier 2014 97p
I tasted it five times, the last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. For the owner, Olivier Bernard, this vintage reminds him of 2001, an exceptional vintage for white Bordeaux. First, this wine has strikingly great acidity, fat fruit, exquisite elegance and finesse, richness, and a sophisticated touch. It has unlimited longevity. Awesome stuff.
Domaine de Chevalier 2013 94p
I tasted it three times, the last time in April 2016. Consistent notes. It boasts a delicate, aromatic nose of apple and acacia, a lush palate with excellent acidity, a delicate balance, and a smooth aftertaste. It has great complexity and a sophisticated touch. It is a perfect wine for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2012 94p
I tasted it three times, the last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. It displays a delicate aromatic nose of apple and acacia, a lush palate with excellent acidity, delicate balance, and a smooth aftertaste. It has great complexity and a sophisticated touch. It is a stunning wine for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2011 96p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine was powerful, with intense notes of acacia flowers, apples, and citrus grass. Great structure, depth, and length on the palate, with rich balance and an intense finish. As always, utterly impressive stuff from this property!
Domaine de Chevalier 2010 97p
Tasted five times - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine was incredibly aromatic, with notes of lemongrass, pear, apple, and pineapple, and was highly sophisticated, featuring great acidity and depth, along with a long, caressing aftertaste. It was an exceptional showing.
Domaine de Chevalier 2009 (barrel sample) 95p
I tasted it five times, the last time in April 2011. Consistent notes. It has an intense, flowery nose with notes of pineapple, acacia, citron, lemon, and apples. The wine is refined, rich, and splendid, with excellent balance and a thrillingly smooth aftertaste. It has great elegance and style. It is a stunning beauty.
Domaine de Chevalier 2008 95p
Tasted nine times - last time in September 2011. Consistent notes. Harvest was completed on October 3rd, yielding a small crop of 27 hl/ha, with 3-4 selections in the vineyard. The blend consists of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. It is very open, incredibly aromatic with lemon and pineapple, and incredibly attractive, tasty, and smooth, with a caressing aftertaste. There is more minerality and more length here. This is a magnificent showing!
Domaine de Chevalier 2007 97p
Tasted eight times - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. 85% Sauvignon Blanc + 15% Semillion. Deep and refined, it had a very intense aroma of acacia flower, pear, and pineapple on the nose. It was exceptionally structured, with excellent acidity, and had a very long and deep palate, as well as perfect balance and a lingering aftertaste. Olivier Bernard believes this one is even better than the 2002 vintage, regarded as one of the best white vintages of the last 20 years, with better structure, and I agree with him.
Domaine de Chevalier 2006 92p
We tasted it four times, the last time in March 2009. Consistent notes. It impressed with its freshness, a splendid collaboration between aromatically scented fruits (lemon/citrus, pear, and peaches), acidity, numerous nuances, lovely structure, and a long aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 2005 97p
Tasted five times - last time in March 2015. Consistent notes. Extremely aromatic and full-bodied, with notes of acacia, apple, and citrus in abundance, this wine is incredibly refined and sophisticated, multi-dimensional, and fabulously structured, with an extra-long finish on the palate. Exceptional wine. It tasted rather closed in March 2015. 95p.
Domaine de Chevalier 2004 94p
Tasted five times - last time in April 2007. Consistent notes. Light yellow. This barrel sample showed promise for the future, with freshness and elegance, refinement, and a splendid interplay between the wine's acidity and fruit sweetness. It will be exciting to see if it reaches the same heights as 2001 once it has matured. This one is to keep 20-25 years horizontally.
Domaine de Chevalier 2003 92p
Tasted in April 2005. Light yellow. It was exotic and very aromatic on the nose, with notes of mango, melon, and apricot, and possessed great elegance, finesse, and a delicious aftertaste. It was beautiful, satisfying many white wine fans for the next 10-15 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 2002 97p
In 2001, Sauvignon Blanc reached perfect maturity, and the pickers were again extremely pleased with these sweet grapes. But Sémillon also reached ideal maturity, maybe even better than in 2001.
Tasted three times - last time in August 2006. Consistent notes. Straw yellow. It had a very intense nose of peach, citrus, and apple. On the palate, luscious fruit was in a pretty embrace with lovely acidity. This wine offered a multitude of nuances, exceptional structure, depth, sensational length, and a sophisticated appearance. It is masterfully made and will be incredibly long-lived.
Domaine de Chevalier 2001 96p
Olivier Bernard explained that, for the first time as manager of Domaine de Chevalier (since 1983), he saw pickers eating Sauvignon Blanc grapes in 2001. They do it quite rarely, for this grape variety typically tastes rather tart, even if the grapes are ripe. In 2001, these grapes were, incidentally, exceptionally ripe.
Tasted in April 2005. Straw yellow. It was very close to 2002 in terms of quality but slightly less abundant and intense. Otherwise, all the ingredients are put in the right places. It is another divine and sublime white wine in the collection. It can last for a minimum of 25 years from now on.
Domaine de Chevalier 2000 92p
Tasted twice - last time in October 2010. Light yellow. A lovely nose of acacia flowers and lemon, full-bodied and well-proportioned on the palate, with fresh fruit acidity. It was a beautiful and tasty wine. Even if it's at a different level than 2001 and 2002, this wine will mature more quickly and satisfy many wine enthusiasts while they wait for the big vintages. Already very enjoyable (2010). 12-15 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1999 92p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2005. Consistent notes. It acted like 1996 but seemed more closed, with pronounced oak flavor in the nose and palate. This well-composed wine, with a strong backbone, should be kept for at least ten years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1998 91p
Tasted in April 2005. Light yellow. It appeared to be quite closed, somewhat tart, and marked by new oak. Nice length and structure. Like 1999, this wine should be stored in the cellar's dark corner for several years. Fine quality.
Domaine de Chevalier 1996 93p
Tasted in April 2005. Golden. The nose was massive, with an intense aroma of citrus and lemon. The palate didn't stand back, offering a big body, strong structure, and a long aftertaste. This wine was sophisticated but more massive than usual and will mature slowly. I look forward to seeing you again in 10-15 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1995 89p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2005. Not consistent notes. Yellow. This wine was closed in the nose and palate, and acidity was very well marked. Additionally, you must wait 8-10 years before this wine opens up, and it deserves a higher rating.
Domaine de Chevalier 1994 92p
Tasted in April 2005. Golden. It had a deep nose of acacia, lemon, and citrus peel, strong and with much acidity on the palate. It was also well-balanced, had a pleasant aftertaste, and was well-composed and stylish. Also, we can speak about long-lived wine here.
Domaine de Chevalier 1992 88p
Tasted in April 2005. Corn yellow. It was elegant and refined in the nose and palate, relatively light, and significantly forward in evolution. It can be consumed now and until 2010. Nice wine.
Domaine de Chevalier 1991 94p
Despite destructive frost in spring that year, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon had no problems during the growing season.
Tasted in April 2005. Straw yellow. The nose had incredible depth and intensity with an evident acacia aroma. Just as formidable and multifaceted on the palate, it is well-structured and long. It's a wine of high class and with superb style. Allow it to develop over 10-15 years horizontally.
Domaine de Chevalier 1990 90p
Tasted in April 2005. It is the same color as 1989, but not as evolved as it was in 1989. It was a delicate wine with a striking composition and gobs of finesse. It's the one to keep for 5-10 more years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1989 88p
It was tasted in April 2005. It was light yellow. The nose and palate evolved with a scent of pear or peach jam, relatively light and simple. Perhaps our bottle wasn't flawless, as I had better bottles from this vintage several times before.
Domaine de Chevalier 1988 93p
Tasted in April 2005. Pale yellow. This was a compact and robust wine with big fatness, delicate complexity, finesse, and depth on the palate. It showed exquisite cooperation between sun-ripe fruit and acidity. Deliciously tasty wine will make many wine freaks happy in the next twenty years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1987 93p
Tasted in April 2005. Light golden. It had marvelous notes of acacia and peach on the nose and palate, and was full-bodied with many nuances, well-balanced, and superbly composed. This wine was made sublimely. It will hold for additional 10-12 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1986 93p
Tasted in April 2005. Light yellow. The nose and palate possessed a very concentrated aroma of lemon budding, fresh acidity, splendid structure, and great complexity. The great length at the palate and delicate aftertaste completed this excellent wine beautifully. It retains the same keeping ability as it did in 1987.
Domaine de Chevalier 1985 95p
Tasted five times - last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. Sunflower yellow. It was fat on the nose and palate with a strong aroma of lemon and melon. All this was in a very sophisticated package with elegance and finesse. It is a delightful sip now and in the next 8-12 years. However, it still shows its youthful age - no significant aging has occurred since 2006.
Domaine de Chevalier 1984 93p
I tasted it twice, the last time in April 2014. It has consistent notes and is light yellow. It has a sophisticated nose of pears, apples, and peaches. The palate showed excellent structure, delicate elegance, and refinement, with harmony and a long, round aftertaste. Enjoy this lovely wine, which will last 10-12 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1983 90p
Tasted in April 2005. Straw yellow. There was an intense and mature nose with a lemon/citrus aroma. It is light but shows many nuances, finesse, and nice length. It is drinkable now and will remain so for the next 5-7 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1982 94p
Tasted in April 2005. Yellow. It showed a classic young nose of apple and lemon peel, which was quite intense, smooth, and refined on the palate, with excellent structure and a lasting aftertaste. There was plenty of fresh acidity, which tied all things together beautifully. A magnificent and stylish wine can easily be stored in the cellar for another 10-15 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1981 90p
Tasted in April 2005. Light golden. The nose showed signs of age, but the intensity and freshness were intact. It was well-concentrated and long on the palate, with marked acidity that didn't disrupt the balance in this splendid wine. You can enjoy it now and in the next 3-5 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1979 96p
Tasted in April 2005. Yellow. It had a deep nose of acacia flowers and citrus, with a scent of peach. This wine was highly well-proportioned and opulent, delicate and refined on the palate, with great length. It was all just marvelously and beautifully well-composed. Here, you see a terrific example of white Bordeaux. It will easily remain excellent for another ten years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1978 92p
Tasted in April 2005. Corn yellow. It reminded me of 1975, but this wine had more intensity and better structure. It still appeared as tasty as it did in 1975. This fine wine will last longer than it did in 1975. I tasted it again in October 2008 with the same impressions and rating.
Domaine de Chevalier 1975 91p
Tasted twice in April 2005. Consistent notes. Paler in color than 1970. There was a noticeable aroma of apples and pears on the nose, and the palate was concentrated, with a long, lingering finish. The acidity in this wine made every attempt to capture all attention, but the fruit sweetness balanced it perfectly. It was a superb wine that would have been enjoyable for another 4-5 years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1971 89p
Tasted three times - last time in October 2019. Not consistent notes. It is a splendid and energetic wine, characterized by fine acidity, corresponding fruit flavors, and a delicate, rounded aftertaste. Not bad for a 30+ years old white wine. That was in April 2002. Seventeen years later, this wine showed an evident touch of oxidized flavors, which indicated fading away.
Domaine de Chevalier 1970 93p
Tasted in April 2005. Golden. It offered aromatic notes of acacia and apple, with fine intensity and depth. This wine was full-bodied on the palate, with finesse and a firm structure, showcasing a splendid interplay between acidity and sweetness. Even if this wine was 35 years old, it was fresh as a young one and showed no sign of advanced age. A beautiful and well-crafted wine that will keep for ten more years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1964 89p
Tasted in April 2014. Interesting old wine with sherry flavors, well-balanced. Ok.
Domaine de Chevalier 1961 92p
Tasted in August 1990. It reminded me a lot of 1971 with the same energy. However, this wine had more concentration, more complexity, and better acidity.
Domaine de Chevalier 1951 88p.
Tasted in August 1990. It is an aromatic wine with lovely fruit showing some elegance. Light and tasty.
Domaine de Chevalier 1941 85p
Tasted in August 1990. Turning a bit into sherry but managing to keep some freshness.
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RED WINE
35 ha of vines growing on soil of back sand mixed with small stones on the surface. The subsoil is a blend of clay and gravel. Planted grape varieties include 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2.5% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Vines are, on average, 25 years old. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats, whereas it occurs in wooden barrels. The wine matures in 50% new oak for 16-20 months.
Red Domaine de Chevalier is an elegant and well-balanced wine, significantly improved since the arrival of consulting oenologist and winemaking expert Stéphane Derenencourt in 2003. It now shows more refinement, richness, and a sophisticated touch than before.
Picking 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon at Domaine de Chevalier
Domaine de Chevalier 2023 (barrel sample) 97p
Tasted four times - last time in September 2024. Consistent notes. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% of both Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 13% alcohol. I tasted it at Cité du Vin and the property with the same impression. It displays an intense nose of blackberries and blueberries and a hint of tobacco. Lively and tender, with great mid-palate finesse, elegance, and a sophisticated touch. It has a long and mouth-filling aftertaste. Terrific stuff.
Domaine de Chevalier 2022 98p
Tasted twice - last time in February 2925. Consistent tasting notes. 65% C. Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% C. Franc and 2% P. Verdot. 14% alcohol. Intense black and red currants, chewy, mineral, concentrated, with great depth and length, and notable complexity, particularly in the mid-palate. Long and persistent aftertaste. Exceptional effort for the vintage. It’s Olivier Bernard’s 40th vintage, and it will be celebrated with a special label featuring a running horse.
Domaine de Chevalier 2021 (barrel sample) 94-95p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2022. Consistent notes. 80% C. Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% C. Franc and 5% P. Verdot. It's the first vintage with so much C. Sauvignon in the blend. 13% alcohol. Intense black and red currants, crushed rocks, coffee beans, cigar box, graphite, fresh, fine structure, and complexity. Persistent aftertaste. Splendid effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2020 97-98p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2023. Consistent notes. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% alcohol. Intensely aromatic nose of classy blackcurrants, tobacco, and black winter truffle, with a very refined and lush palate, featuring a spectacular mid-palate, structure, and length. Riveting complexity. It's a stunning addition to an excellent 2018 and 2019. Perhaps the 2020 vintage here will conclude as the best of the trilogy! It's worth noting that the exceptional quality of this wine is reflected in the second wine, L'Esprit de Chevalier 2020, which is the best vintage of this wine to date.
Domaine de Chevalier 2019 96-98p
Tasted twice - last time in February 2022. Consistent notes. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot + 5% Petit Verdot. Alcohol is only 13%. A sophisticated, intense nose of blackberries and blueberries, a classy one. Full-bodied with style on the palate with excellent structure, complexity, and length. Petit Verdot adds some graphite and a strong backbone, with a scent of red meat on the palate from Cabernet Sauvignon and lush black fruit from Merlot. The fruit cooperates perfectly with sweet and grainy tannin. It has a great, sophisticated touch and excellent length with a strong finish. Is it the best vintage for red wine at Domaine de Chevalier yet?
Domaine de Chevalier 2018 97p
Tasted three times - last time in December 2020. Consistent notes. When I visited this property on the last day of the 2018 harvest in October, Olivier Bernard told me, "Izak, this is the best vintage of my life!" The barrel sample from 2018 confirmed his words - it's the best red Domaine de Chevalier I've ever tasted under his reign. Rich in freshness and sweetness, ripe blackcurrants, silky tannins, and Cabernet Sauvignon shone through, complemented by grilled bacon flavors, graphite, and tobacco leaves. Very precise and focused. There's a lot of refinement and a sophisticated touch here. Long finish. The same impression was noted in September 2019 when it was retasted. Nothing changed when tasted in December 2020, this time from the bottle. Beautiful effort!
Domaine de Chevalier 2017 (barrel sample) 94-95p
I tasted it three times, the last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. It displays elegance, finesse, minerality, and fine acidity. It is a great effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2016 95-96p
I tasted it three times, the last time in September 2024. Consistent notes. This wine excelled in 2015 in terms of complexity, length, intensity, and power, and it was distinguished by its silky texture. To me, it looks like a twin brother of 2010.
Domaine de Chevalier 2015 95p
Tasted three times, most recently in October 2018. Consistent notes. It had splendid fruit and acidity, silky fruit and tannin, great complexity, and a long finish.
Domaine de Chevalier 2014 94p
Tasted four times - last time in October 2018. Consistent notes. Impressive stuff, very cherry, powerful with a strong backbone. Fine acidity and well-structured. Superb balance.
Domaine de Chevalier 2013 (barrel sample) 91-92p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. This wine showed silky fruit and tannin, dark aromatic fruit, fine acidity, and a fruity finish. Light texture. Very good for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2012 (barrel sample) 93+p
Tasted in April 2013. Massive on the palate, with a considerable amount of fruit and tannin, and a strong structure. Oaky and intense nose. Refined. Splendid effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2011 92p
Tasted three times - last time in September 2014. Consistent notes. It had an intense nose with notes of oak and black fruit, splendid depth and length, firm structure, a meaty texture, and a smooth aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 2010 94+p
I tasted it six times, the last time in September 2019. Consistent notes. This wine had notes of fresh chocolate, cocoa powder, blackberries, and was beautifully balanced. It also had excellent acidity, length, and a persistent finish. It is a tremendous effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2009 94p
I tasted it four times, the last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. It is a teenager with a lot of energy and youthfulness. It has an intense and aromatic nose with notes of black cherries and blackcurrants, splendid depth and length, and a smooth, lingering aftertaste. It is an excellent effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2008 93p
Tasted nine times - last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. Harvest was completed on October 25th, and the blend consists of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot was ripe before Cabernet Sauvignon (!!). Intense and aromatic on the nose, with notes of black cherries and blackcurrants, this wine boasts splendid depth and length, along with a smooth aftertaste. Terrific effort for the vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 2007 89p
Tasted nine times - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon + 30% Merlot + 5% Cabernet Franc + 5% Petit Verdot. Harvest finished in mid-October with excellent quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Olivier Bernard was supposed to harvest on 6-8 October but took a risk and waited until 15 October. It'd paid off! It's an elegant wine with silky cherry and raspberry fruit, complemented by smooth tannins; very tasty and enjoyable. A one to enjoy while we wait for the big vintages to become mature.
Domaine de Chevalier 2006 91p
I tasted it six times, the last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. This wine was displaying a distinctive aroma of black cherries and blackcurrants. It is full-bodied and well-structured, with delicate length on the palate.
Domaine de Chevalier 2005 95p
I tasted it six times, the last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. It presented a captivating and aromatic nose of black cherries, accompanied by a delightful sweetness on the palate, and showcased pure elegance and finesse. It is a rich, subtle, and sublime wine. Yummy!
Domaine de Chevalier 2004 92p
I tasted it eight times, the last time in April 2014. Consistent notes. It is black red. The nose has a fresh scent of black fruit, and the palate is sappy and succulent. There are many nuances, a splendid structure, and impeccable balance. This is a superb wine, stylish and very classy.
Domaine de Chevalier 2003 92p
Tasted four times - last time in April 2012. Not consistent notes. Black red. A very tight and robust structure, with very ripe fruit and a touch of heat/baked flavor, resulting in a harmonious palate. It is somewhat atypical in terms of style, but this wine is truly superb. In April 2012, this wine showed well without heated or baked flavors.
Domaine de Chevalier 2002 90p
Tasted five times - last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. An aroma of cinnamon and red fruit, elegant with finesse on the palate, featuring excellent quality of fruit and tannin, with no sharp edges, and well-balanced. There is a slight dryness in the fruit and aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 2001 91p
Tasted four times - last time in June 2014. Not consistent notes. Black red, very aromatic on the nose with notes of bacon and vanilla, a tight structure, deep, complex, and long, with a delicate balance. An incredibly catchy wine with style and class. In April 2012, it didn't show too well, with a subdued nose and light texture.
Domaine de Chevalier 2000 94p
Tasted three times - last time in September 2013. Consistent notes. It is very complex and full of finesse. There are intense aromas of black cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants. Concentrated with lovely structure and depth. Superb balance. Excellent wine, indeed.
Domaine de Chevalier 1999 87p
Tasted in April 2012. The fruit could have been riper; the palate has noticeable dryness and a short finish.
Domaine de Chevalier 1998 93p
Tasted in April 2012. Aromatic, truffles, lovely on the nose. Deliciously ripe fruit, ripe tannin, superb balance, and caressing aftertaste. It's a very seductive wine.
Domaine de Chevalier 1996 87p
Tasted in April 2012. Similar to 1999.
Domaine de Chevalier 1995 90p
Tasted in April 2012. Very mature, with very nice and tasty fruit, well-balanced, soft and ripe tannins, and a smooth finish.
Domaine de Chevalier 1990 91p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2012. Not consistent notes. In 2010, it boasted truffles, an excellent and subtle nose with great cherry and tobacco aromas, a lovely palate featuring firm but smooth tannins and grip. Well-made. In April 2012, it gave a lighter appearance.
Domaine de Chevalier 1989 92p
Tasted in April 2012. Delicate, matured fruit, exquisite and softly textured. Fine balance and velvety aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 1988 90p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. Mocha on the nose with delicate fruit and fine balance. Fine structure and smooth finish.
Domaine de Chevalier 1986 87p
TI tastedin April 2012. Red-brown color. Pleasant on the nose, with mature fruit and a nice balance. It peaked several years ago.
Domaine de Chevalier 1985 88p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. Elegant, supple with ripe fruit, nice balance, and soft aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 1984 89p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2012. Consistent notes. I opened this bottle in November 2011, fearing it was dead and buried, but what a surprise! A 27-year-old wine in a vintage hampered by a lousy spring and not much sunshine. Despite that, one can make a lovely wine if one is a gifted and clever winemaker. Kudos to Claude Ricard, who pulled strings then and was called the master of off-vintages. In April 2012, at the property, it was still alive, deliciously drinkable, round, and charming, with good maturity of fruit and a good balance.
Domaine de Chevalier 1983 88p
Tasted in April 2012. This is not unlike 1985, when there was slight dryness on the finish.
Domaine de Chevalier 1975 89p
Tasted in April 2005. Hot fruit but well balanced. This wine is quickly beginning to show its age.
Domaine de Chevalier 1971 93p
Tasted in October 2019. Cherries. This wine keeps everything together just fine, complex, stylish, and well-made to last for at least ten more years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1970 88p
Tasted in August 1990. Ripe fruit on the nose and palate. It has a fine intensity and a slight taste of prunes, but is well-made with lovely balance and a pleasant aftertaste.
Domaine de Chevalier 1968 86p
Tasted in October 2008. Pleasant surprise. Light wine but still some fruit left, nice balance and round on the palate. Drinkable. Terrific effort for this catastrophic vintage.
Domaine de Chevalier 1966 92p
Tasted in April 2016. It is a tight and mineral wine, still showing considerable fruit.
Domaine de Chevalier 1964 93p
I tasted it in April 2004. This property was one of the very few harvested before damaging rain struck during the harvest. It is red-brown. Ripe berries in excellent and tasty form, elegant with finesse and lovely balance. This is a gorgeous wine that is perfectly drinkable now.
Domaine de Chevalier 1961 92p
Tasted in April 2002. Still young and still needs to develop fully. Lovely structure, splendidly balanced and full-bodied. Rich and long on the palate. What a treat! It will easily last for another ten years.
Domaine de Chevalier 1960 90p
Tasted in August 1990. Red-brown. Well-preserved fruit and tannin, round, prunes, charming. Still alive.
Domaine de Chevalier 1959 94p
Tasted in March 2009. Dark red. It is a tight, robust wine with formidable structure, balance, and length. Ripe fruit and ripe tannins. It's a great bottle to taste!
Domaine de Chevalier 1955 96p
Tasted in April 2005. Simply outstanding, this 50-year-old wine boasts delicious fruit, incredible balance, a lot of finesse, and a sophisticated touch. This gorgeous wine still has so much to offer.
Domaine de Chevalier 1940 92p
Tasted in August 1990. Mid-red, brown edge. A lovely nose and palate of well-preserved prunes, light yet with finesse, pleasant and seductive. Splendid old wine.
Domaine de Chevalier 1928 95p
Tasted twice - last time in October 2008. Not consistent notes. In March 2008, it was an astonishingly well-preserved old wine, vivid, impeccably balanced, full-bodied with a deep structure, rich in tasty berries, and splendid length. Sophisticated. 80 years old heartbreaker! Wow! (98p). In October 2008, it tasted older and shorter. (92p).