Pessac-Leognan, Third Growth.
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc
The Domaine de Chevalier is a great name that inevitably comes to mind when we think of Pessac-Léognan wines. It is based on a 45-hectare vineyard planted on gravel with clay-gravel subsoils. The red grape varieties (40 ha) are 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet franc. The white grape varieties (5 ha) are 70% Sauvignon blanc and 30% Sémillon.
James Suckling: 97-98/100
Plenty of blackberry, blackcurrant, chocolate and flint aromas that follow through to a full body, yet it’s in check and focused with a beautiful framing of fine tannins. The purity of ripe fruit is impressive with cabernet really showing through.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 94-96/100
The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier is beautifully resonant in the glass. Deep, layered and quite persistent, the 2023 has so much to offer. In many vintages, this red needs time to be at its best, but this edition has enough forward fruit to make me think it will drink well with minimal cellaring, even if the acids remain brisk. Graphite, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and rose petal build into the tense, saline-infused finish. The 2023 is all finesse. Drink 2030-2063.
William Kelley - Wine Advocate: 94-96/100
The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier reveals a perfumed, incipiently complex bouquet of dark wild berries, cassis, rose petals, spices and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins and bright acids, it concludes with a long, saline, gently oak-inflected finish. This blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc is maturing in 40% new barrels. Drink 2025-2045.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Independent: 94-96/100
The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier has a deep garnet-purple color. It is a little broody and oaky to start, needing coaxing to bring out a gorgeous core of black cherries, redcurrants, and cassis, with underlying hints of violets and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and bright acidity supporting the muscular fruit, finishing long and minerally.