Domaine de Chevalier 2004

The freshness and finesse of a fine Pessac-Léognan red wine

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is among the finest Bordeaux Crus Classés. This iconic vineyard is located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, to the south of Bordeaux, and is surrounded by a green haven.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier watches over a rare 45-hectare vineyard comprising vines dedicated to the production of red wine. The vineyard lies on a gravelly soil with a clay and gravel subsoil.

The vintage

Although the cool and dry weather conditions at the beginning of spring led to a late budburst (mid-April), the heat recorded at the beginning of May significantly favoured the development of the vineyard. The even flowering suggested a promising harvest. A hot and particularly dry month of June preceded a drop in temperature, combined with heavy rainfall, from the 5th of July onwards. This episode was offset by high temperatures and dry weather during the last 15 days of July. Hot and stormy, August gave way to plenty of sunshine and little rainfall during the month of September, allowing the grapes to ripen. The grapes harvested were of high quality, ripe and showcasing a good acidity.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates and are rigorously sorted in the vineyard, then in the cellar before and after destemming. Vinification is carried out in a plot-by-plot manner in two vats (one of which is a concrete tulip-shaped tank). The wine is aged in barrels (1/3 of which are new oak) for 16 to 18 months, with regular stirring of the lees during the first 4 months.

The blend

Domaine de Chevalier 2004 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petit Verdot (6%).

The tasting

Colour

The colour is an intense dark red with a black centre.

Nose

Expressive, the nose gives off fruity (red and black fruits), smoky and liquorice fragrances. When aired, refreshing minty notes develop the complexity and minerality of the bouquet.

Palate

The attack is round and smooth. This wine seduces the palate with its fruity expression, its mouth-coating structure and its silky tannins. Balanced and very elegant, the palate reveals its freshness and structure, sustained by a lively acidity. The finish is persistent and highlights the fine and sophisticated tannins.