Domaine de Chevalier Cru Classe Pessac Leognan 2013 - 750ml

Estate History:
Domaine de Chevalier sits on gravel-over-clay in the woods of Léognan; both colours are Graves classed growths. The Bernard family, led by Olivier, has owned it since 1983. Hallmarks are plot-by-plot work, small tulip tanks and modest new oak. Red and white stand nearly equal, and the estate often over-delivers in weaker years. Harvest ran 2–15 October 2013; volume was under half of normal. Bottled 30 June 2015.

Wine Introduction:
2013 in Bordeaux was cool and wet. The château answered with severe selection and a Cabernet-led blend: official 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot (early reports listed a higher Cabernet share). Fermented by parcel; about one-third new oak. The style is lean, precise and graphite-mineral—one of the Left Bank successes of the year. Parker about 90–92, Suckling about 93, Galloni 91–94 in barrel. Ready now; do not hold endlessly.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: Redcurrant, blackberry, graphite, sweet pepper and a wisp of smoke.
Palate: Medium body, fine tannin, bright acid, crisp fruit.
Finish: Medium-long—tobacco, pencil lead and dusty earth.