What ethereal, rose-scented refinement! I was struck by how perfumed the aromas were, including distinct cigar box and creosote, along with the floral aspects. Refined and delicate. An utterly beautiful wine. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2035
Tasted by: Panos Kakaviatos (at Washington D.C., 31 May 2023)
Part of Producer profile: Domaine de Chevalier & 12 wines tasted

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 12.2% alcohol): Medium-deep red with a hint of amber at the rim. Woodsy notes of underbrush, rosemary, marjoram and old leather complement discreet red berries on the nose. Enters sweet yet juicy, offering good fleshiness to its sweet, ripe red berry and red cherry flavors complicated by orange rind and sweet spices. Finishes persistent but a little simple, with notes of coffee bean and tobacco. This is drinking well now and won't gain by further aging. A little disappointing in the context of the vintage.

The 1985 Domaine de Chevalier has always been a good but not great example from the estate. Perhaps proprietor Olivier Bernard is still finding his feet after taking over in 1983. The best example was a magnum poured in 2009 and, in some ways, this bottle mirrored that showing. The bouquet is fully mature and still has the soft and loose-knit nose but is more loamy than previous examples and needs more cohesion. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied these days. There is lovely balance here—nonchalant and unpretentious—with just a touch of truffle and a hint of black olive. My main criticism is that it flatlines on the last third, and as I have said before, it requires more length. Thoroughly enjoyable, yet as I remarked before, not profound. Tasted May 2017.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Harvested 27 September to 9 October. Brick red. Elegant and perfumed. Red-fruit notes with an edge of lanolin and herbs. Palate fresh but with a plummy sweetness as well. Fine tannins. Clean and harmonious. Holding up well. (JL)