2018 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

The 2018 Domaine De Chevalier is a beauty. Based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in 35% new French oak, it has a beautiful sense of elegance and purity, which is very much in the style of the vintage as well as the domaine. Blackcurrants, black cherries, cold fireplace, damp earth, tobacco, and chocolate are just some of the nuances here, and this complex, medium to full-bodied 2018 has gorgeous tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It has suppleness in its texture that allows it to offer pleasure even today, yet given its balance as well as purity, it deserves 5-7 years of bottle age and will keep for 30+ years. It is another brilliant wine from the team of Olivier Bernard.

One of my favorite Pessac reds in the vintage, Domaine de Chevalier shows a signature textural refinement that carries a core of bright red fruit. The best examples we tried showed great layers with a bright finish and slightly chalky tannins that highlighted a great sense of place. Very compact and composed, there is a bright future for DDC's 2018 and it certainly be a noteworthy vintage for them.