Domaine de Chevalier 2015

The smoothness and balance of an exceptional vintage Pessac-Léognan red wine

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is one of 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 overlooks a rare vineyard comprising 55 hectares of vines dedicated to the production of red wine. The vineyard lies on a gravelly soil with a clay and gravel subsoil.

The vintage

The particularly dry weather conditions during spring favoured an even flowering period, recorded at the end of May/beginning of June, suggesting a promising harvest. The lack of rain during the summer months led to water stress, fortunately offset by the stormy spells that occurred during the month of August which enabled to grapes to ripen. The veraison was even and the grapes harvested were of very high quality, despite low yields. Indeed, the dry weather conditions from April to July resulted in small grapes with thick skins. This vintage led to the production of rich and perfectly balanced wines.

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 three vats (stainless steel tanks, concrete tulip tanks and wooden tanks). The wine is aged in barrels (1/3 of which are new) for 16 to 18 months, with regular stirring of the lees during the first 4 months.

The blend

Domaine de Chevalier 2015 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%).

The tasting

Colour

This wine is an intense dark red colour.

Nose

Alluring, the nose seduces with its great freshness.

Palate

A silky and gourmet attack precedes a full and fruity wine, coating the palate. Throughout the tasting experience, a dense structure is harmoniously combined with a beautiful freshness, giving this wine elegance and finesse. This fine Pessac-Léognan red wine is in keeping with two other iconic vintages: 2009 for its generosity and its silky feel while also expressing the exceptional structure of 2005.