Domaine de Chevalier 2012

A fine Pessac-Léognan red wine, seductive in its freshness and complexity

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is among the finest Bordeaux Crus Classés. This iconic estate 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

Following two years of drought, the heavy rainfall during spring was ideal and replenished the soil’s water reserves. The efficient vineyard management reduced the risk of disease caused by the rainfall and favoured, through green harvesting, a progressive and even flowering period. The summer months were mild. Due to a gap between the technical (sugar-acid) and phenolic advancements, the harvest was carried out from the 9th to the 18th of October, in order to ensure the optimal quality of both the tannins and the aromas. The grapes harvested produced a rich, fresh vintage with a beautiful tannic structure.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are picked and undergo successive selections based on their level of ripeness. The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, followed by a rigorous sorting in the vineyard, then in the cellar before and after destemming. The vinification is carried out in a plot-by-plot manner in small tulip-shaped tanks, thus ensuring an optimal extraction. The wine is aged in barrels (1/3 new oak) for 16 to 18 months, with regular stirring of the lees during the first 4 months.

The blend

Domaine de Chevalier 2012 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (30%) and Petit Verdot (5%).

The tasting

Colour

The colour reveals a beautiful intensity.

Nose

Generous, the nose gives off fruity (red and black fruits) and spicy (pepper) fragrances. When aired, the freshness is sustained by subtle mineral and minty notes.

Palate

Full and smooth, the attack mixes freshness with bursting fruit. This wine seduces the palate with its fruity expression and its ripe and supple tannins. A perfect marriage between finesse and complexity, the palate feels coated and is sustained by a delicious acidity. The finish is persistent, concentrated and sophisticated.