Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2016

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2016 is a profoundly elegant, sophisticated, and deeply structured Grand Cru Classé red wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Crafted from a classic Graves blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, it presents an intense dark ruby color in the glass. The complex nose bursts with expressive aromas of blackcurrants, dark plums, blueberry compote, tobacco, wood smoke, cedar, and crushed gravel minerality. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied and incredibly racy, delivering concentrated layers of sappy dark berry fruit framed by fine, velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, and an extraordinarily long, earthy, saline finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, prime ribeye steak, venison, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

98 Points - James Suckling

Tobacco, dark fruit and earth on the nose. The palate shows exceptional balance, with incisive acidity and precise dark fruit that are deeply appealing for their harmony. A blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. This is appealing now, but it will evolve wonderfully. Drink now or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

96 Points - Wine Spectator

The core of fruit flavor here is sappy and dense, with lots of kirsch, raspberry pâte de fruit and plum reduction notes, yet this stays fresh and racy overall, with a bright iron spine, flashes of tea and tobacco and a long finish that shows a wonderful infusion of alder and tobacco flavors. Offers a lovely combination of prodigious fruit details, with a tug of earth. Best from 2024 through 2038.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This elegant wine wears its firm tannic structure lightly. It is densely textured, just starting on its road to maturity. Black-plum and berry fruits give the wine its weight as much as the tannins. It will age well over many years. Drink from 2026.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with expressive warm plums, blueberry compote and cassis scents with suggestions of sandalwood, baking spices and potpourri. Medium-bodied and delicately styled yet with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins, it sports restrained earth-laced fruit and a long finish.