Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Graves, Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux in 2020 seems to have all the freshness that made the outstanding 2016 so appealing, but also combines the warmth and accessibility of vintages like 2009 - we can't get enough of this vintage, even if volumes are largely down. Arguably the greatest name in Graves and classified as a Graves Cru Classe, Chevalier are best known for their whites, yet their reds are still well worth your attention. This - a powerful, full-flavoured beast - will require many years of taming before its rose-tinged, cedary, cassis-rich fruit is showing at its greatest.
Drink from 2028+, this will last for at least three decades with ease.
“Concentrated ruby red colour, a little subdued on the nose, built with structure and power, concentrated and should age well. Classical, powerful, not exuberant, an impressive Chevalier that has tannins and fruit and freshness, nothing shouting too loud. As it opens, you see a peony floral edge that is very attractive. Easily among the best in Pessac. A yield of 38hl/ha. Drinking Window 2027 – 2042." 95 points, Jane Anson, Decanter.com
“Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Domaine de Chevalier comes skipping out of the glass with energetic scents of ripe red and black currants, fresh blackberries and boysenberries, plus nuances of wild sage, cloves and cedar with a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate surprises and delights with an unexpected richness and depth that remains locked away on the nose, revealing layers of fragrant earth and floral notions framed by fantastic freshness and firm, finely grained tannins, finishing with the most gorgeous, long-lingering perfume. Drink 2026-2053." 95-97+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
“Iron, black mushroom and dark berry with some burnt orange peel. Flowers, too. It’s full-bodied with round tannins that turn linear and tight at the end. Excellent energy. Brightness and purity." 96-97 points, James Suckling
"Spicy nose. Pretty saline and mineral on the palate – non flashy but with lots locked in there. And no shortage at all of tannin but it's ripe enough. Very much a work in progress but with a certain lusciousness of embryonic fruit. 13.5% Drink 2030 – 2050" 17 points, Jancis Robinson