This is very impressive for the vintage, with a vertical depth and structure of extremely polished tannins. It’s full and precise, with berries, dark chocolate, bark, iodine and walnuts throughout. Extremely well done. Best after 2027.
A medium-bodied DC with a pretty core of ripe fruit that shows licorice, blackberry and some currant character. Spice box, too. Very long, with fine tannins and plenty of energy.
A medium-bodied DC with a pretty core of ripe fruit that shows licorice, blackberry and some currant character. Spice box, too. Very long, with fine tannins and plenty of energy. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc.
Points: 95-96
95 POINTS
Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous
The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier was terrific both times I tasted it. Potent and driving, the 2021 dazzles with Cabernet Sauvignon intensity in its aromas, flavors and overall structure. Graphite, spice, menthol, spice, rose petals, mocha and flowers run through a core of red/purplish fruit. The Blanc gets most of the attention at Domaine de Chevalier, but these days I find the red more complete and more interesting.
Points: 94-96
94 POINTS
Neal Martin - Vinous
The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from September 28 until October 15 at 30hL/ha. Tobacco- and sous-bois -infused black fruit unfurl with a sense of assuredness on the nose, the best example, a third bottle toward the end of my tastings, being the most delineated. This has energy rather than horsepower. The palate is medium-bodied with pencil-lead-infused black fruit and a slightly powdery texture, certainly the most saline in recent years, leading to an almost Pauillac-inspired finish. Stylish and classic Domaine de Chevalier.
Points: 93-95
94 POINTS
Georgina Hindle - Decanter
Blackcurrant, liquorice and dried herbs on the nose, some soft floral fragrance of rose petals too. The nuance isn't on the fruit. Smooth and supple, quite tannic, lean almost austere but the fruit is softly fleshy giving the width. Doesn't quite sustain the palate, loses some energy and density, though the tannins carry this through to a long finish. Quite calm and quiet right now, I like the texture, it's filling and certainly not light or too acidic. Good mouthfeel, the tannins on the prominent side right now, taking over the expression, but this feels well worked, pure with clarity and a sense of charm. Cool, crystalline blue fruit, edges of liquorice and stone. It's not the most persistent but made in keeping with the vintage and not trying too hard - this is a success. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.
94 POINTS
Georgina Hindle - Decanter
Aromatic nose, perfumed black fruits, bramble tones and a touch of sweet spice. Round and mouthfilling, this has good density and depth for the vintage, tannins are on the juicy plump side with a dry grippy texture though satisfying not austere with the fruit powering through giving cherry and blackcurrant flavours. This has good persistency and doesn't let up - it's not a showstopper at this point but I love the quality of the fruit and the tannins and the lifted acidity as well as the darker more savoury elements of liquorice, black chocolate, graphite and smoked cedar that come in towards the end. Lots going on here with good potential. You get the impression nothing is hiding and I love that. Really the grapes and the terroir on show. A good success and will be interesting to taste in bottle. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.
94 POINTS
Georgina Hindle - Decanter
Aromatic nose, perfumed black fruits, bramble tones and a touch of sweet spice. Round and mouthfilling, this has good density and depth for the vintage, tannins are on the juicy plump side with a dry grippy texture though satisfying not austere with the fruit powering through giving cherry and blackcurrant flavours. This has good persistency and doesn't let up - it's not a showstopper at this point but I love the quality of the fruit and the tannins and the lifted acidity as well as the darker more savoury elements of liquorice, black chocolate, graphite and smoked cedar that come in towards the end. Lots going on here with good potential. You get the impression nothing is hiding and I love that. Really the grapes and the terroir on show. A good success and will be interesting to taste in bottle. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.
