2005 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge Pessac-Léognan

I fell in love with this, not only from barrel 3 years ago, but last autumn when in bottle. Sensational wine, I bought 3 cases in different sizes. Lovely contrast to St Juliens, Pauillacs. The best wines of 2005 show an irrepressible energy and as soon as the aromatics of the Chevalier hit you, you can feel the vigour in the rich intoxicating black fruit and the minerally, gravelly overtones that only great Graves can offer. The seemingly endless finish and perfect harmony of this wine, combined with the firm yet supple tannins, immensely concentrated fruit and life-giving acidity look set to make this a legendary Dom. de Chevalier.
(Simon Staples, BBR Fine Wine Director)

"Rich, ripe, intense and complex nose. Generous, full, concentrated palate with rich fruit, vanilla and spices."
(Pessac & Graves Tasting Panel - Highly Recommended 4/5 Stars- Decanter Dec 08)

Perhaps the finest wine made at this estate in many years (no doubt due to the influence of wine consulting guru Stephane Derenoncourt), the 2005 is a blend of 65% Cab Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with tiny portions of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. A classic Graves bouquet of charcoal, graphite, creosote, smoked herbs, sweet black cherries, and spice box. The wine is elegant on the attack, but fills out beautifully with a multilayered, rich mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a plush, opulent finish. This brilliant claret may turn out to be even better than my score suggests.  
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Apr 08)