Description
Domaine de Chevalier is located in a clearing in the middle of a forest that protects the vines from extremes of temperature. In fact, Chevalier is a sort of secret garden, far from the limelight. This is something of a paradox for such an excellent wine, among the greatest in Bordeaux.
” Only a great terroir can produce a great wine… I often start out with these words when speaking about Domaine de Chevalier. They convey our fundamental philosophy, not only with regard to viticulture, but also the spirit that pervades the estate, and the men and women who work here. They improve their already considerable skills year after year on behalf of that which is most essential to a fine wine in my opinion – balance “
Domaine de Chevalier is notable for having kept its ‘domaine’ title, which is more at home in Burgundy than it is in Bordeaux. Chevalier comes from the Gascon word for knight, an homage to a trail on the property believed to have been used by knights in the 12th to 14th centuries. In 1983, the domaine came under its current ownership when it was bought by the Bernard family, who renovated the winery and expanded the vineyard.
Tasting Note
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Domaine de Chevalier charges out of the gate with bold expressions of cassis, warm blackberries and boysenberries plus touches of menthol, chocolate box and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely crafted with bags of freshness and a finely grained texture, finishing long and with impressive energy. [95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown – March 2020, robertparker.com]