2008 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note
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2008
Domaine de Chevalier (Pessac-Léognan)
Medium bodied, elegant and fresh, the wine is all about its refined, classy style. The smoky red fruits offer purity, restraint and a smoky, tobacco tinted note. The tannins are soft. The finish offers freshness and more of that elusive, cigar wrapper and red fruit charm. Drink this now, or over the next 15-20 years. 6,957 Views Tasted Sep 17, 2018It took close to 3 hours of air before the wine softened and filled out. Elegant, in a classic way, the smoky, earth, blackberry, cassis and tobacco nose got better and better. Give this at least another 5 or more years. 8,523 Views Tasted Feb 3, 2015Domaine de Chevalier shows classic Graves character with its smoke, tobacco, earth and cassis personality. Over the last few years, the wines seem to be produced with slightly more concentration. Stephane Derenoncourt has been working with Olivier Bernard with the red wines for a few years. This addition of richness adds a lot to the quality of this elegant Pessac Leognan wine. 13,558 Views Tasted Jan 28, 201108 Domaine Chevalier Rouge is deep ruby. The 08 shows more depth and concentration than I recall in previous vintages. This elegant, rich wine has an opulent personality with a long, pure finish combining black and red fruits. 91-94 Pts 13,322 Views Tasted Aug 31, 2009 |
When to Drink Domaine de Chevalier, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Domaine de Chevalier needs at least 8-12 in good vintages until it is ready to be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-3 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Domaine de Chevalier offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-30 years of age after the vintage.
Serving Domaine de Chevalier with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Domaine de Chevalier is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is also good with Asian dishes, and hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta. Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a perfect wine to serve with all types of seafood, fish, shellfish, crab, lobster, chicken, veal, port, and of course a myriad of hard and soft cheeses.
In 1993, Olivier Bernard entered into a management agreement with Pessac Leognan estate of Domaine de la Solitude. In 2009, Olivier Bernard added to his already busy schedule when he entered into a second leasing agreement to produce and market the wines of Chateau Lespault-Martillac, also located in the Pessac Leognan appellation.
The Bernard family also maintains interests in the Sauternes appellation. Olivier Bernard is a partner in Chateau Guiraud. In 2012, Olivier Bernard added to their holdings in Sauternes with the purchase of Chateau Haut Caplane.
They quickly renamed the estate, Clos des Lunes. Clos des Lunes will focus on making dry white Bordeaux wine, as well as sweet, white Bordeaux wine. However, it is expected that Olivier Bernard and his team will focus more on the production of dry white Bordeaux wine at Clos des Lunes.