Domaine de Chevalier 2016

A refined and sumptuous Graves classified growth

The estate

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the magnificent Domaine de Chevalier is at the top of the greatest Classified Growths of Bordeaux. The estate is located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, in a green setting south of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier oversees a rare vineyard comprising 60 hectares of red vines. The vineyard is made up of vines averaging 35 years old and rests on a gravelly terroir with clay-gravel subsoils characteristic of Pessac-Léognan.

The vintage

The year 2016 is marked by a period of high humidity from January 1st to June 20th, during which the flowering recorded between June 4th and 11th suggests a quality harvest. This is followed by particularly dry conditions from July 1st until September 13th, when salvatory rainy episodes restart the development of the vineyard. The Indian summer stretching from September 15th to the end of October is ideal for refining maturities. The combination of all these conditions gives this great vintage richness, power, finesse, and elegance.

Vinification and aging

After manual harvesting in crates during which a sorting in the vineyard is carried out, the berries are sorted a second time before and after destemming. Vinification is carried out on a parcel basis within three vat rooms (stainless steel vats, concrete tulip vats, and wooden vats). The wine is aged in barrels (including 1/3 new wood) for a period of 16 to 18 months, accompanied by regular stirring during the first 4 months.

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (55%), merlot (35%), petit verdot (5%) and cabernet franc (5%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Domaine de Chevalier 2016

Tasting

Color
Bright and clear, the color is an intense ruby.

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

Palate
Ample and sweet, the palate seduces with its silky touch and its tannins combining delicacy and indulgence. Concentrated and of beautiful persistence, this palate harmoniously combines balance, freshness, and elegance.

Cellaring

This great red wine from Pessac-Léognan can wait in the cellar until 2046 to reveal all its aromatic richness.