Domaine de Chevalier Vertical 1982-2008
Wednesday 19 June 2013
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On this fascinating tasting we host the excellent wines of Domaine de Chevalier, the leading estate in Bordeaux for producing both exceptional-quality reds and whites from Pessac-Leognan. At West London Wine School we regard the Sauvignon Blancs from Pessac as some as the best in the world, and we will be tasting perhaps the finest example, the Chevalier Blanc, on this evening.
Domaine de Chevalier
Domaine de Chevalier is classified as a Graves Cru Classé and is one of the few Graves estates to produce both world-class reds and whites, though it is for its whites that it is particularly renowned. The property was purchased by the Ricard family in 1865 and remained in their hands until it was bought by the Bernard distilling company in 1983. The chateau is situated just outside Léognan and consists of 35 hectares of vines. The white wine accounts for only 20% of the production and is typically a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. The grapes are hand harvested and the juice is then fermented in 100% new oak casks. The wine remains on the lees in cask for 18 months, making it the longest aged, dry white in Bordeaux.
Domaine de Chevalier is fortunate to have such a fine team to run its affairs. Olivier, whose family business owns the estate, is the outgoing but canny administrator whilst Rémi Edange is hands-on, knowing every vine and every barrel. Whilst their white wines have always been amongst the very finest, the reds were simpler affairs. But from the 1995 vintage onwards greater flair and concentration was in evidence. The quality curve is now further accentuated by the team's bold move to appoint Stéphane Derenoncourt, of La Mondotte fame, as consultant winemaker.
Wines on Tasting (8):
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2008 (17.5 JR)
Esprit de Chevalier Blanc 2007
Esprit de Chevalier Rouge 2004
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 1982 (17.5 JR)
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 1999 (17 JR)
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2000 (17.5 JR)
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2002 (17 JR)
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2004 (16.5+ JR)
JR – Jancis Robinson scores (out of 20)