Chateau Domaine de Chevalier   Domaine de Chevalier

2011 Domaine de Chevalier

By Chateau Domaine de Chevalier

2011 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

The mosaic of Bordeaux's vineyards grants each vintage its distinct aura, and the 2011 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier is a testament to the resilience and finesse the Pessac-Léognan region can muster even in the most challenging years. The vintage of 2011 was tainted by climatic caprice, yet amidst such trials, Domaine de Chevalier prevailed, sculpting a wine of complexity and balance.

 

The Vintage's Tenacious Heart

Graced by an early bloom followed by an erratic summer, the vintage demanded precision and persistence. The diligent vignerons at Chateau Domaine de Chevalier navigated 2011's mercurial clime with aplomb, resulting in a harvest that captures an enthralling spectrum of flavours. This vintage elucidates how adversity can yield brilliance when nature is met by human ingenuity in viticulture.

 

A Chronicle of Earth and Ethos

The 2011 Domaine de Chevalier unfurls in the glass with all the poise expected from this noble estate. Its bouquet offers a symphony of dark berries, wisps of tobacco smoke and the subtlest hint of graphite—evoking the gravelly earth that nurtures its roots. On the palate, one uncovers layers of cassis and plum, cocooned within a tapestry of adeptly woven tannins which intimate at longevity worthy of any esteemed wine investor's cellar.

With each tasting, the wine unfurls a tracery of oak and spice, marking an astute application of barriques that respects the integrity of the fruit's pedigree. With maturity, these elements are harmonising seamlessly, suggesting a trajectory toward an even more profound expression over time—a compelling attribute for investment consideration.

In summary, while not hailed as prolific as preceding or succeeding years, the strength and quality evinced by the 2011 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier indicates both exemplary craftsmanship and investment potential. This vintage encapsulates a narrative that I maintain investors will find both enchanting and lucrative: it is a steadfast Bordeaux blend that has surmounted climatic trials to emerge not just intact but with commendable distinction.

Current market price

$1,000.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

42.86

Scores and tasting notes

94

A spectacular effort, especially for this challenging vintage, Olivier Bernard's 2011 Domaine de Chevalier boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of subtle charcoal, graphite, black currants and black cherries. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel and a long, complex, stunning finish, this is a profound example of a 2011 from a great terroir. Consume it over the next 20 years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014

92

This is a rich wine for the vintage with mineral, raspberry and lemongrass character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long finish. Need three or four years to come together.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014

90-92

The 2011 is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Merlot but Olivier Bernard then mentioned that is includes 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is closed at first but it demonstrates fine precision with blackcurrant, boysenberry, limestone and graphite aromas, again, almost Pauillac like in profile. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry, crisp acidity: a Domaine de Chevalier struck through with a citric like freshness. A little abrupt and 'spiky' on the finish perhaps, but this is a fine, masculine, classic Domaine de Chevalier for mid-term drinking. Tasted April 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012

Vintage performance