Description
Yves Beck 95-97 points www.yvesbeck.wine
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
En 2022 il me semble que Domaine de Chevalier est plus pertinent qu’à l’accoutumé, style définition Super HD ! Le bouquet rentre d’emblée dans le vif du sujet et ne manque pas de souligner des notes fruitées ainsi que de la minéralité tandis que l’élevage agit discrètement en arrière-plan. Bonne densité en bouche avec une discrète sucrosité en attaque. Le vin est doté de tannins fins, parfaitement intégrés qui assurent puissance et avenir avec une touche d’austérité qui a pour effet de pousser la finale, de la soutenir et de l’étirer. Très belle réussite. 2028-2042
Jean-Marc Quarin 96 points www.quarin.com
Couleur noire. Nez intense, fin, fruité, pur, mûr, subtil. Moelleux en entrée de bouche, minutieux dans sa texture, très aromatique, avec de la classe dans le toucher, le vin se développe ascendant et juteux entre le milieu et la finale. Longueur profonde et noble.
Neal Martin 95-97 www.vinous.com
The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 5-30 September and represents the 40th vintage under the irrepressible Olivier Bernard, who celebrates with a one-off label. It soars from the glass with take-no-prisoner aromatics: perfumed mineral-rich red berry fruit, incense and black truffle. Pessac-like earthiness with an opposing airiness defines many a great wine from this estate. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. Slightly powdery in texture and saline in the mouth, this gets the saliva flowing. However, the arching structure on the finish suggests it will require considerable bottle age. Cellar this for a couple of decades, and you’ll be repaid handsomely.
Jeb Dunnuck 96-98 points www.jebdunnuck.com
As to the Grand Vin 2022 Domaine De Chevalier, this awesome Graves is based on 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Vinified in a mix of concrete and wood tanks, with a portion seeing malolactic fermentation in barrel, it offers a deep purple/ruby hue as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, smoke tobacco, and damp earth. Reminding me of a supercharged version of the 2016, it’s full-bodied and has a layered, silky mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. Released with a new, one-off label, the 2022 celebrates Olivier Bernard’s 40th year at the château, and it’s certainly a wine worth seeking out.
Antonio Galloni 93-96 www.vinous.com
The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier is a powerhouse. I don’t remember tasting anything like it. Black cherry, plum, graphite, licorice and spic add to an impression of virile intensity. Readers should expect to play the long game, as the tannins are pretty imposing at this stage. That has been the case each of the four times I have tasted the 2022 so far.
Georgina Hindle 94 points www.decanter.com (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
Round, full, compelling, charming and confident, this has a width and density that is really well worked, calm, not super vibrant but really rich in terms of fruit expression with coolness, white stone fruit flavours and some subtle toasting. Feels structured and well worked, serious but not as tense as many with more fruit persistence and depth than a lot of the whites this year. Perhaps missing a touch of acidity bit this is very good indeed and ends with a zestiness that is really appealing. Tasted twice. Derenoncourt consultants.
William Kelley 94-96 points www.erobertparker.com
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Domaine de Chevalier delivers aromas of minty dark berries, cherries and ripe plums mingled with hints of licorice, coniferous forest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, it’s concentrated and layered, textured and elegant, framed by powdery tannins and concluding with a long, penetrating, long finish. Olivier Bernard and his team have crafted an outstanding wine that will bear a special label commemorating his 40th vinification at this Péssac-Léognan reference point.