A spectacular effort, especially for this challenging vintage, Olivier Bernard’s 2011 Domaine de Chevalier boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of subtle charcoal, graphite, black currants and black cherries. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel and a long, complex, stunning finish, this is a profound example of a 2011 from a great terroir. Consume it over the next 20 years.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014

(87-89)
A very good effort from this estate located in the southern sector of Pessac-Leognan, the 2011 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot that achieved 13% natural alcohol. It offers medium body, attractive sweet red and black currant fruit, a round, supple texture, and hints of roasted herbs and damp earth. Drink this pretty, elegant effort during its first 10-15 years of life.

Very polished tannins to this refined and beautiful red with minerals and blackberries. Some wet earth too. Full and very integrated now.

The 2011 is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Merlot but Olivier Bernard then mentioned that is includes 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is closed at first but it demonstrates fine precision with blackcurrant, boysenberry, limestone and graphite aromas, again, almost Pauillac like in profile. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry, crisp acidity: a Domaine de Chevalier struck through with a citric like freshness. A little abrupt and “spiky” on the finish perhaps, but this is a fine, masculine, classic Domaine de Chevalier for mid-term drinking. Tasted April 2012.

Firm, slightly dusty-edged plum and cassis fruit here, with a good sappy feel on the finish. Underlying tarry edge. Solid, if a bit reticent today.¯J.M.

[63CS/35M/5PV] Ripe fruit to smell raspberry/blackberry; elegant middleweight wine, finely and firmly tannic, with a fresh defining acidity; gentle, refined, refreshing, medium to long term red; fragrant, gently minerally, and with fine, light length; nicely conceived from the available fruit, restrained, dry, aromatic, very gravelly, very much the image of Pessac Léognan. Not big or strong, but will still need at least ten years, with charm and finesse to come? 2020-30+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Drink 2017-2028 Inky dark core. Sweet, warm inviting cherry fruit plus a balancing graphite note. Dry, powder fine, quite gentle on the palate. Although the tannins are dry there's still a fluidity to the wine as a whole. A bit abrupt at the end. (JH)