2016 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Bordeaux France Wine Tasting Note
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2016
Domaine de Chevalier (Pessac-Léognan)
There is a depth of color and an even better depth of flavor. Smoke a Cohiba Behike in a fruit orchard and you get the idea of the perfume. On the palate, there are layers of elegant, silky textured fruits with sweetness, purity and richness. The finish keeps on going. The wine here is known for aging, so give it 12 years or more before opening a bottle and drink over the next 20-25 years, at least! There is no doubt, this is the finest vintage of Domaine de Chevalier Rouge ever produced, although the 2018 could be even better in the years to come! 11,680 Views Tasted Sep 21, 2019Clearly in competition for the best vintage yet, for the red wine of Domaine de Chevalier, this is a beauty! It is hard to decide if it is the silky, elegant, caressing textures, the freshness and purity in the fruit or all that smoky fruit in the finish that is the high point. Fans of Domaine de Chevalier need to try this for themselves. It is a stunner that will age for decades, and it still sells for a song. 9,661 Views Tasted Feb 10, 2019Refined, elegant, fresh, silky and pure, this is a stunner. The wine, with its layers of tobacco-tinged dark, red berries, freshness and silky tannins is a strong contender for the best vintage of Domaine de Chevalier ever produced. 10,384 Views Tasted May 12, 2018Silky tannins, sweet, ripe, elegant, polished, and refined, this is a top vintage for Domaine de Chevalier. The tobacco, dark, red berries and spice are really shining this year. The wine has that elusive quality of freshness, length, purity and character. This will age quite nicely for decades. The wine was produced from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The fruit was picked from October 4 to October 21. 10,144 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017 |
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.