Domaine de Chevalier 1998

The power and smooth complexity of a fine Pessac-Léognan red wine

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is among the finest Bordeaux Crus Classés. This iconic estate is located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, to the south of Bordeaux, and is surrounded by a green haven.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier watches over a rare 45-hectare vineyard comprising vines dedicated to the production of red wine. The vineyard lies on a gravelly soil with a clay and gravel subsoil.

The vintage

1998 is a vintage marked by its earliness. The high temperatures during the month of August were compensated for by the quality of the water regulation of the estate's subsoil. The grapes, harvested at optimum maturity, are fleshy and rich in tannins.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates and are rigorously sorted in the vineyard, then in the cellar before and after destemming. The vinification is carried out in a plot-by-plot manner in two vats (one of which is a concrete tulip-shaped tank). The wine is aged in barrels (1/3 of which are new oak) for 16 to 18 months, with regular stirring of the lees during the first 4 months.

The blend

Domaine de Chevalier 1998 comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

The tasting

Colour

Brilliant, with a beautiful garnet colour.

Nose

The nose gives off fruity (candied red fruits such as blackberry and cherry), spicy and liquorice fragrances. When swirled, the bouquet gains power, complexity and minerality.

Palate

This wine reveals a distinctive tannic structure. Elegant and refined, the bouquet fully expresses itself through delicious notes of liquorice and pine resin, combined with a refreshing minerality.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to decant the wine before tasting.