Surprisingly shy on the nose, even at ten years of age - this can bed itself down for a few more years before really starting to open for business. Cabernet fruit dominates, dark in profile with layers of fine tannins, chewier and more classically-styled than some. It clearly shows why Chevalier can still go full-throttle in its third and fourth decades. Again, the slight lack of persistency tells you that this was not the hottest vintage, but it is full of classic menthol, cassis and charred oak, those tannins bouncing up to the finish.
Tasted by Jane Anson(at BI, London, 01 Jan 2018)
Part of How Bordeaux 2008 wines taste now: 70 top names rated

One of the fabulous sleepers of the vintage and a wine for serious Bordeaux afficionados to consider buying, the 2008 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. Surprisingly backward for a 2008, it is medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins, lots of purity and abundant charcoal, black currant and floral notes. The sweetness of the fruit, depth of flavor and textured, lush mouthfeel in this medium to full-bodied, ageworthy 2008 are impressive. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. I would not be surprised if it turns out to be as impressive as the 2010.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #194, May 2011)

Just starting now to open, with bright fruit, light smoky and meaty undertones. Medium to full body, fresh finish. Drink or hold.

Good full medium ruby. Sexy, very pure aromas of crushed blueberry, minerals and licorice lifted by a violet topnote. Dense, ripe and seamless, with terrific energy and a light touch to the tightly coiled flavors of dark berries and graphite complemented by spicy oak. This savory, dry, classic wine has the structure to ensure two decades or more of development in bottle. Finishes with real verve and grip.

(a blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 9% petit verdot; 3.55 pH; 13.5% alcohol): Deep purple-ruby. Slightly reticent, medicinal aromas of cassis, ink, minerals and fresh herbs. Pure, fresh and clean, with a straightforward delivery but sneaky concentration to the blackberry and graphite flavors. Juicy acidity keeps the flavors light and lively and makes for a classic, precise Bordeaux experience. Finishes firmly tannic and long. Very typical of the undervalued, cooler 2008 vintage, this lacks only a bit more flesh for a higher score, but it's a classic Pessac-Léognan. Ian D'Agata

The 2008 Domaine de Chevalier is a vintage that I have tasted several times. Now at a decade old, it has retained a surprisingly deep colour. The bouquet is divine: pure blackberry and pomegranate aromas, cedar and cigar box, its floral element seeming to have receded in recent years. The palate is medium-bodied and appears to have softened since I last tasted it, the tannins now more melted (though not fully), delivering a mixture of red and black fruit tinged with burnt toast, tobacco and a touch of sous-bois and smoke towards the cohesive finish. You could begin opening bottles now although knowing the track record of this estate, I would leave them for another few years. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual vertical tasting.) - vinous.com, February 2018