Domaine de Chevalier
Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, France
2009 vintage. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. This estate has an impressive track record of high quality, even before it was bought by the Bernard family. Olivier Bernard managed to considerably expand the vineyards without compromising the quality of the wine, which is one my favourites. Unfortunately they use 100% Diam corks these days, which sadly stopped me from buying the wines. Anyway, this deeply coloured 2009 is a beauty that starts to shine with only 5 minutes in the glass. Impressive aromatics of black fruit, cedar wood, dark chocolate, vanilla, subtle spices and delicate floral hints. In the mouth it is extremely elegant and effortless, with everything in the right place. Exquisite balance with layered, perfectly ripe ( but not jammy) black fruit, embedded in a solid ripe tannic structure, and a very, very long finish. Everything falls into place, nothing is overdone, absolutely impressive, even if I believe it hasn't even reached its peak yet. This should age effortlessly for decades. Ab. 13,5%.
2009 vintage. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. This estate has an impressive track record of high quality, even before it was bought by the Bernard family. Olivier Bernard managed to considerably expand the vineyards without compromising the quality of the wine, which is one my favourites. Unfortunately they use 100% Diam corks these days, which sadly stopped me from buying the wines. Anyway, this deeply coloured 2009 is a beauty that starts to shine with only 5 minutes in the glass. Impressive aromatics of black fruit, cedar wood, dark chocolate, vanilla, subtle spices and delicate floral hints. In the mouth it is extremely elegant and effortless, with everything in the right place. Exquisite balance with layered, perfectly ripe ( but not jammy) black fruit, embedded in a solid ripe tannic structure, and a very, very long finish. Everything falls into place, nothing is overdone, absolutely impressive, even if I believe it hasn't even reached its peak yet. This should age effortlessly for decades. Ab. 13,5%.
Oct 12th, 2024
This was drinking very well with notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. Really enjoyable
This was drinking very well with notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. Really enjoyable
Apr 14th, 2024
Still in early stages. Still firm, really hard tannins. Needs a few hours to show its stuff. But then beautiful aromas; a very traditional, well made Pessac-Leognan. Let’s see in 10 years.
This is getting better and better. 9.4 now.
Still in early stages. Still firm, really hard tannins. Needs a few hours to show its stuff. But then beautiful aromas; a very traditional, well made Pessac-Leognan. Let’s see in 10 years.
This is getting better and better. 9.4 now.
Plush and oaky, no resemblance to its former glory. Too young, will likely improve for a couple decades, but will never be anywhere as great as the 83, 85, 89, 90...
Plush and oaky, no resemblance to its former glory. Too young, will likely improve for a couple decades, but will never be anywhere as great as the 83, 85, 89, 90...
1 person found it helpfulApr 19th, 2015
Lovely, oxidative in a very positive way. Viscous mouth feel is rich and full. Very nice. Good acidity.
Lovely, oxidative in a very positive way. Viscous mouth feel is rich and full. Very nice. Good acidity.
Oct 9th, 2015Youthful richness and balanced
Youthful richness and balanced
Jul 30th, 2015Gift from the owners, who we met at '09 Bordeaux tasting at Doral. We visited the winery last year & met their son. Handsome family.
Gift from the owners, who we met at '09 Bordeaux tasting at Doral. We visited the winery last year & met their son. Handsome family.
Nov 21st, 2012
Almost completion. Quite powerful. Good vintage 09, 16 years aged, oak, black currant smooth, blueberry, leather, earthy, balanced sweet and spiciness. 09 @4200, Xiaduo - RC, 250415
Almost completion. Quite powerful. Good vintage 09, 16 years aged, oak, black currant smooth, blueberry, leather, earthy, balanced sweet and spiciness. 09 @4200, Xiaduo - RC, 250415
Apr 15th, 2025
2009 vintage. A whiff of spearmint on the nose but otherwise closed aromatics. Light-medium body. Plenty of color. In a period of transition currently (Sorry VM) but still showing that PL juice as worthy of your attention vs some of these pricier, showier nearby regions. Low-key sexy now but needs another 3-4 years to really prowl and strut about the palate.
2009 vintage. A whiff of spearmint on the nose but otherwise closed aromatics. Light-medium body. Plenty of color. In a period of transition currently (Sorry VM) but still showing that PL juice as worthy of your attention vs some of these pricier, showier nearby regions. Low-key sexy now but needs another 3-4 years to really prowl and strut about the palate.
Oct 6th, 2022