2010 Domaine de Chevalier

This wine oasis is nestled in a forest of Pessac Leognan just south of Bordeaux where the gravel soils have given the region its name. The attraction of these wines lies in a softness of mouthfeel reminiscent of Margaux, although the flavour profile is usually an entirely different proposition. In 2010, Olivier Bernard (aided by Stephane DeRenoncourt) has pushed the envelope further than in 2009, foreseeing the possibility to reach higher alcohol levels and exploring new possibilities offered by this exceptional terroir.
While the wines tasted from barrel samples threw many critics out of their comfort zone during the Primeurs tastings, the little time spent in bottle is starting to reveal the vision of the winemakers. Domaine de Chevalier is already standing tall next to higher priced neighbours from Pessac Leognan.

Outstanding colour – impenetrable inky black crimson red core with a dark crimson black hue. The nose delivers superb intensity with perfectly ripened blackcurrant, cassis and black cherry aromas bounding from the glass with nuances of liquorice, cedar, light earth and spice following. Well endowed with fruit and possessing a firm, yet expansive mouthfeel the palate is an essay in richness and power. Flavours of ripe blackcurrant and black cherry fruit fill the mouth over a background of cedar, light tobacco and earth with a spice overlay. Perfectly managed tannins –solid and firm but also velvety like in nature. Outstanding depth and persistence with a very long ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, light earth and spice aftertaste. First Class.
Cellar 8-10 years (2022-2024).
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews...
This is one of my all-time favorite wines from Domaine de Chevalier, a silky, rather classic Pessac-Leognan with notes of scorched earth, tobacco leaf and black and red currants, but no hard edges. Fragrant, complex aromatics are followed by a savory, expansively flavored wine made from a final blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine hit 13.5% natural alcohol, which must certainly be among the highest they have ever achieved, even eclipsing the 2009. An opulent, precocious style of wine that seems much more developed, complex and delicious than I thought from barrel, this beauty can be drunk in 5-6 years or cellared for 20 or more.
95
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate 

This is the most structured and powerful DC in a long, long time. Full bodied, with polished and rich tannins and a long finish. Tasted twice. The rising star of Bordeaux?
95-96
James Suckling