The 2000 Domaine de Chevalier is deep in color. It has a precocious bouquet of black cherries, blueberry, red currant and violets, very well defined and focused; there is real panache here. The palate is medium-bodied, stocky and quite foursquare at the moment, with dry-ish tannins – what you might call a “masculine” wine. Quite briny and marine-influenced, this exerts a firm grip and certainly would benefit from either decanting or further bottle age.

Subtle and already delicious. This is lovely. Loads of chocolate and berry character in this young red. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a medium-long finish. Best after 2007.

(a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; pH 3.78; 12.9% alcohol): Medium-deep ruby-red. Enticing aromas of redcurrant, plum, violet, minerals and graphite complemented by sexy oak spices. Broad, lush and sweet, with a pristine quality to the perfumed flavors of red berries, black cherry and spices. Harmonious acidity gives the wine shape and balance and a very clean, fresh mouthfeel. Finishes impressively broad and horizontal, with smooth, ripe tannins and lingering spicy perfume. This sophisticated, glossy wine is still remarkably young and lively.

Drink 2008-2025
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Abundant notes of sandy, loamy soil, forest floor, black currants, cherries, and unsmoked high-class cigar tobacco jump from the glass of this complex, perfumed Pessac-Leognan. Medium-bodied and lighter than many 2000s, it has resolved all of its tannin, and appears to have reached full maturity. This wine has such superb balance that I suspect it will last another 8-10 years. (91 Pts) www.erobertparker.com

Good medium color. Sappy, perfumed aromas of raspberry, spiced plum and currant. Densely packed and silky, with noteworthy precision and freshness. Nicely integrated acids frame and extend the red berry flavors. Finishes firmly tannic, with good grip and length.

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot. Harvested 25 September to 12 October. Garnet with a bit of brick. Slightly muddy nose but bracken notes as it opens. Same on the palate. Fresh and open. In a good place for drinking now but doesn’t bowl you over. (JL)