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. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. RP
(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 218.- Ian D'Agata (4/213)
Producer: Domaine de Chevalier
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Red Blend
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Pessac Leognan
Appellation:
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SKU: #
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