Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2003
- Vintage
- 2003
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,Pessac-Leognan
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WS98, WA91
- Grape
- Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Starts off slowly on the palate then develops into a blast of mineral, apple, honey, pineapple and light vanilla on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with wonderful freshness and an extremely long aftertaste. I still remember this wonderful wine's finish. Score Range: WS95-98 (Barrel )
The 2003 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has certainly improved since I last tasted it. Here, served in magnum, it offered a gorgeous bouquet of vanilla, almond, crème brûlée and lemon curd that displayed far better delineation and freshness than it showed previously. The palate is well balanced with far better acidity than it has any right to be, given the merciless heat that season. While it does not exude the mineralité or tension of a very top Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, this is so sumptuous and sensual that you end up with a big grin plastered upon your face. Enjoy this wonderful white Bordeaux over the next 10 years. Tasted September 2016. Drink: 2016~2026 - WA91
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2003 fully reveals the mineral privilege of its terroir: flavors of gravelly soils, minty and aniseed freshness. Complex nose: exotic fruits, citrus, toasted almonds and sweet spices like cinnamon. In the mouth the wine is powerful, rich, and not heavy with a nice acidity. Characterized by elegance, finesse, purity, minerality and balance. - Winemaker's Notes
Domaine de Chevalier is located in a clearing in the middle of a forest that protects the vines from extremes of temperature. In fact, Chevalier is a sort of secret garden, far from the limelight. This is something of a paradox for such an excellent wine, among the greatest in Bordeaux. Only a great terroir can produce a great wine… I often start out with these words when speaking about Domaine de Chevalier.
Domaine de Chevalier is one of the few Graves estates to produce both first class reds and whites. The property was purchased by the Ricard family in 1865 and remained in their hands until it was bought by the Bernard distilling company in 1983. Domaine De Chevalier has 35 hectares of vines and red wine accounts for 80% of the production. Made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats and then matured in oak barriques (50% new) for 18 months.
Domaine de Chevalier is fortunate to have such a fine team to run its affairs. Olivier, whose family business owns the estate, is the outgoing but canny administrator whilst Rémi Edange is hands-on, knowing every vine and every barrel. Whilst their white wines have always been amongst the very finest, the reds were simpler affairs. But from the 1995 vintage onwards greater flair and concentration was in evidence. The quality curve is now further accentuated by the team's bold move to appoint Stéphane Derenoncourt, of La Mondotte fame, as consultant winemaker. Domaine De Chevalier is classified as a Graves Cru Classé.