Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend

Perfect balance between aroma and texture, exceptional

Significantly better than the 2008 Lynch-Bages I had the other night.

Domaine De Chevalier is one of the more underrated or under appreciated Bordeaux producers.

The nose shows; beautiful dry, red flowers, black currants, brambly blackberries, ripe; dark cherries & strawberries, black plum, hints of raspberries, anise, dry herbs, mid baking spices, loamy earthiness, dark spice, dry tobacco/leather, graphite, barrel toast, bright red flowers and liquid violets.

M+ dark meaty tannins. Ripe, juicy, gorgeous fruits; black currants, brambly blackberries, dark cherries & strawberries, black plum, hints of raspberries, red licorice, red to mid berry cola, touch of black licorice, anise, dry herbs, mid baking spices-light clove/nutmeg, cinnamon & light vanillin, dark spices with a little palate heat, loamy earthiness, dark spice w/ some palate heat, dry tobacco/leather, graphite, charcoal, pebbles, some soft mushroom, barrel toast, bright red flowers and liquid violets. Really nice rainfall acidity, well tensioned/structured still w/ age, nicely balanced with an elegant, smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and long sets on spice & earth.

15 yrs of good drinking ahead.

@BalancesRestaurant - Lucerne. Balance Restaurant is one of the very best meals I’ve had out in a very longtime.

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%.

This was drinking very well with notes of cedar, tobacco and graphite. Really enjoyable

The 2014 Domaine de Chevalier has always been an impressive wine for the vintage. This has a superb bouquet with blackberry, graphite, sea spray and pressed roses, which are very well-defined and classy. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant, fine tannins, a keen line of acidity, fresh with white pepper and allspice towards the harmonious and precise finish. This is a Pessac-Léognan ratcheting through the gears - recommended. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2024)

Classic. Has 25+ years ahead. So elegant and silky. Aristocratic.

2016 vintage. Class act.

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.

Too young, yes, but good times with my lovely wife let this open up big time. Rich aromatics, evolved over conversation. Cedar, pie spice, dark fruits, floral. Started out smooth and silky before the tannins really kicked in. This is gonna be killer with more time. Paired awesome with tonight’s beef tartare, bolognese, and pork shank osso bucco.

Golden color - super oxidized. Bad bottle?