AOC. Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux), France - 94-96 PARKER (Neal Martin). 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot in gravel soils with clay and gravel subsoil. After a manual harvest selected in the vineyard and in the winery before the destemming, the must ferments for the first time since 2013 in small concrete tanks tulip shaped to increase the selection of the plot, complete the extraction and refine the mixture. Aged in barrel for 16 to 20 months (35% new oak), bâtonnage 4 months (racking the lees with a cane). The nose is fine and complex, with an extraordinary purity of ripe red fruits, spicy (pepper) and mineral notes such as graphite. The palate is medium-bodied, very precise, with fine and crispy tannins and an impeccable balance. It is fully enjoyable now and will reach its fullness in the next 5 years. Recommended by The Sommelier.
Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan 2013
Domaine de Chevalier is one of the 16 prestigious wineries of the AOC. Pessac-Leognan, which holds the Grand Cru Classé de Graves category. Its history goes back to the second half of the 19th century and only 3 owners worked it before Olivier Bernard, current owner acquired it in 1983. One of the things that makes Chevalier unique is that he achieved fame in a relatively short time in comparison with most of the great Châteaus of Bordeaux, who took centuries to acquire a similar status. That is due in part to the unique "terroir" surrounded by pine forests that gives it a unique microclimate, but also to the fact that it only had 3 owners who bet on the highest quality. Domaine de Chevalier covers 100 hectares, of which 45 hectares are vineyards. Gravel soils with clay and gravel subsoil, 40 Ha. Of red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with which 100,000 bottles are made and 5 Ha of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with which 18,000 bottles are made. Viticulture of precision and respectful with the environment. The 2013 vintage was not a good vintage for reds in Bordeaux, the spring was rainy causing a late flowering and a widespread landslide, as well as violent and in some cases destructive storms at the end of July and beginning of August and a humid climate during the vintage that led to gray rot before and during the harvest. However, Domaine de Chevalier is known for making excellent wines even in difficult years like this 2013 with less than half the production of a normal year and a very rigorous selection. After a manual harvest selected in the vineyard and in the winery before the destemming, the must ferments for the first time since 2013 in small concrete tanks in the shape of tulips to increase the selection of the plot, complete the extraction and refine the mixture. Aging in barrel from 16 to 20 months (35% new oak), bâtonnage 4 months (shaking the lees with a cane). Domaine de Chevalier 2013 unusually consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, on the nose it is fine and complex, with an extraordinary purity of ripe red fruits, spicy (pepper) and characteristic mineral notes such as graphite. The palate is medium-bodied, very precise, with fine and crispy tannins and an impeccable balance. Its recommended consumption is from 2017 to 2030 and will reach its fullness in the next 5 years.
Pairing: red meats, feather hunting (pheasant, pigeon, duck, goose), stews, lamb, mature cheeses and creamy pasta such as Torta del Casar or La Serena.
