Domaine de Chevalier 2016

A refined and sumptuous Graves cru classé

The estate

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is at the top of the list of the finest Bordeaux Crus Classés. The estate, located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation to the south of Bordeaux, is surrounded by a green haven.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier watches over a rare vineyard which comprises 55 hectares of red vines. The vineyard, comprising vines that are twenty years old on average, is planted on a gravelly soil with clay and gravel subsoil.

The vintage

The year 2016 was marked by a very humid period from January 1st to June 20th, during which the flowering stage recorded between June 4th and 11th promised a quality harvest. This was followed by particularly dry weather conditions from July 1st to September 13th, when a few rainy spells boosted the vineyard’s development. The Indian summer stretching from September 15th to the end of October was ideal and enabled the grapes to refine their ripeness levels. The combination of all these weather conditions provides richness, power, finesse and elegance to this fine vintage.

The vinification and ageing

Following the manual harvesting in crates, during which the grapes are sorted on the vine, the grapes are sorted a second time before and after destemming. The vinification is carried out in a plot-by-plot manner in three vats (stainless steel vats, concrete tulip vats and wooden vats). The wine is aged in barrels (1/3 of which are new wood) for 16 to 18 months, with regular stirring of the lees during the first 4 months.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (35%), Petit Cerdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

Domaine de Chevalier 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant and clear, the colour is an intense ruby.

Nose

Fresh and precise, the nose reveals a rich aromatic palette. Fruity fragrances blend with balsamic (pine forest), spicy (pepper) and mineral notes.

Palate

Full and soft, this wine seduces the palate with its silky feel and its tannins that combine delicacy and deliciousness. Concentrated and revealing a beautiful persistence, the palate harmoniously combines balance, freshness and elegance.

Cellaring

This fine Pessac-Léognan red wine can be kept in the cellar until 2046, enabling it to reveal its aromatic richness.