97 James Suckling
Aromas of blueberries and lemon rind. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and bright fruity finish. Refined and beautiful. Layered wine. Pure fruit. Gravelley. Stoney. So classy and complex. Try in 2020.
95 Robert Parker
In late 2011, I had the last bottle in my cellar of the 1970 Domaine de Chevalier. Much to my surprise, it was still holding on to life and remained gorgeously complex in that ethereal Graves style. The 2009, one of the finest Domaine de Chevaliers yet produced, reveals a striking bouquet of burning embers, sweet cherry, black and red currant fruit, spice box, cedar and lead pencil shavings. The tannins are sweet in this fleshy, full-bodied offering. It is built on the notion of extraordinary harmony, elegance and complexity. While not the most concentrated or flamboyant 2009, its intense aromas are already reasonably evolved and its lusciousness and balance are terrific. Made from an interesting blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, its yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare were slightly higher than many of its neighbors achieved. Drink it over the next 25 years.
95 Robert Parker
In late 2011, I had the last bottle in my cellar of the 1970 Domaine de Chevalier. Much to my surprise, it was still holding on to life and remained gorgeously complex in that ethereal Graves style. The 2009, one of the finest Domaine de Chevaliers yet produced, reveals a striking bouquet of burning embers, sweet cherry, black and red currant fruit, spice box, cedar and lead pencil shavings. The tannins are sweet in this fleshy, full-bodied offering. It is built on the notion of extraordinary harmony, elegance and complexity. While not the most concentrated or flamboyant 2009, its intense aromas are already reasonably evolved and its lusciousness and balance are terrific. Made from an interesting blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, its yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare were slightly higher than many of its neighbors achieved. Drink it over the next 25 years.
18 Rene Gabriel
Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Verführerisches Maulbeerenbouquet, ein Hauch Kokos, Vanille und reife Kirschen, noch zarte Hefenoten im Ansatz zeigend. Seidener Gaumen, delikate Balance, eine schöne Süsse die von den feinen Gerbstoffen ausstrahlt, im Finale wieder Kirschen und jetzt auch etwas Brombeeren. Wie immer auf gewohnt hohem Niveau bei viel Finessen. (18/20). 12: Irgenxwie ist das Ding unglaublich jugendgeil. Ich konnte mich trotz lediglicher Degustationsabsicht nicht zurückhalten und nahm einen herzhaften Schluck. warten (2016 - 2028)
18 Rene Gabriel
Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Verführerisches Maulbeerenbouquet, ein Hauch Kokos, Vanille und reife Kirschen, noch zarte Hefenoten im Ansatz zeigend. Seidener Gaumen, delikate Balance, eine schöne Süsse die von den feinen Gerbstoffen ausstrahlt, im Finale wieder Kirschen und jetzt auch etwas Brombeeren. Wie immer auf gewohnt hohem Niveau bei viel Finessen. (18/20). 12: Irgenxwie ist das Ding unglaublich jugendgeil. Ich konnte mich trotz lediglicher Degustationsabsicht nicht zurückhalten und nahm einen herzhaften Schluck. warten (2016 - 2028)
93 Wine Spectator
Very rich, but sleek and pure, with beautiful mouthfeel and layers of enticing fig, steeped blackberry and warm currant confiture nicely stitched with black tea and mesquite. The long finish has a tarry underlay, but stays polished. Approachable for its mouthfeel, but has the balance to age nicely. Drink now through 2025. 12,000 cases made. –JM
93 Wine Spectator
Very rich, but sleek and pure, with beautiful mouthfeel and layers of enticing fig, steeped blackberry and warm currant confiture nicely stitched with black tea and mesquite. The long finish has a tarry underlay, but stays polished. Approachable for its mouthfeel, but has the balance to age nicely. Drink now through 2025. 12,000 cases made. –JM
