Domaine de Chevalier 2004

Thankfully, this estate appears to have scaled down their use of new oak as the wood component is much more subtle than in previous vintages. The classic southern Graves version of elegance, the 2004 Domaine de Chevalier exhibits aromas of lead pencil shavings, sweet cherry and strawberry fruit, cedar, spice, and subtle smoke. Medium-bodied with outstanding purity, richness, and texture, this soft, round beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 15+ years.

Aromas of blackberry and delicate tobacco, with just a hint of toasty oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. This is all about finesse and length. Best after 2009. 7,500 cases made.

Heavily perfumed nose, ripe, floral, blackcurrant and sweet spices. Instantly feel the power and push of fruit on the palate, ripe and juicy, yet clean and precise. This has some green pepper and liquorice, with a slightly bitter edge on the palate that brings a touch of dryness to the expression. The fruit is appealing at first but the savoury aspects shut down much of the enjoyment and introduce a rather metallic, herbal note. Finishes a bit salty. 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

A round and silky red now with dark chocolate, stone and blackberry character. Full body, firm tannins and a juicy finish. Austere at the finish. Drink now.

Good ruby-red. Expressive aromas of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and gravel. Supple and juicy, with good energy to the flavors of cassis, flowers and tobacco. Very savory wine with subtle sweetness of fruit. Finishes broad and sweet but quite firm, with sneaky length.

This is all about elegance and finesse. The tannins are soft and refined. The fruit is ripe, but delicate. The nose is complex with its smoky, tobacco, earthy red berry qualities. This is drinking great today. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc.

Quite dark garnet-purple. Elegant bouquet, presenting itself as almost sexy and sweet, with fitting roasted notes, a hint of caramel, traces of mint, Earl Grey, gaining in fullness and becoming increasingly complex. Silky, elegant palate, perfectly harmonious, cedar notes, plenty of finesse in the extract, long aromatic finish. A feeling of happiness for the body.

Barrel sample: fine, delicate bouquet with fascinating cherry tones, red cassis blossoms, hints of raspberry. On the palate, juicy, very refined, with an almost creamy texture and a gently candy-like sweetness. Focused on youthful charm and elegance. (17/20). 07: Olivier Bernard has put a truly great wine into bottle. Winner of a major blind tasting at the World Wine Festival in Bad Ragaz. Quite dark garnet-purple. Elegant bouquet, almost sexy and sweet, well-judged toasty notes and a hint of caramel, traces of mint, Earl Grey; it gains in volume and becomes increasingly complex. Silky, elegant palate, everything perfectly harmonious, cedar notes, plenty of finesse in the extract, long aromatic finish. The wine was so good that—contrary to my usual tasting habit—I allowed myself a small sip to also catch that feeling of happiness throughout the body!

Silky, dense, elegant, fresh bouquet, lactic notes, strawberry yogurt, mint. Elegant, fine-boned, fragrant palate with delicate tannins, dense structure, powerful, refined aromatics, sweet fruit, long, delicate finish. 18/20 drink - 2036

Logo on the cork: CRL The first bottle was a bit bland. The second one (CRL cork) was closer to what I know of this vintage, which is usually very successful at Domaine de Chevalier. Intense nose and riper than the first bottle. Juicy, tasty, silky and elongated palate, finishing sappy and perfumed with wrapped tannins. Good length.

This property, run so expertly by Olivier Bernard, is now making reds that almost equal its legendary whites. This 2004 is intensely solid, dominated by black berry fruits, by spice, some smokiness aromas. It is finely balanced, smooth, with wood and tannins well integrated.