Description
Producer Notes
Domaine de Chevalier is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, renowned for producing wines of extraordinary precision, freshness, and longevity. The 2020 is widely regarded as one of the legendary wines from this address — a wine that effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of the vintage to produce something nuanced, pure, and deeply classical. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a finish of extraordinary length. Best from 2027, with the potential to evolve for 50+ years.
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020
- Jeb Dunnuck 98+ pts | Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth. Full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Pure, classic, regal Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2027–2077.
- James Suckling 97–99 pts | Purity of fruit is really something — blackcurrants, blackberries, orange, stone, and granite. Full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins. Great length. One for the cellar. Drink after 2030.
- Vinous 96 pts | Bright, poised, and wonderfully pure. Red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise, and cinnamon. Built on aromatic presence and persistence. What a wine! Drink 2030–2060. — Antonio Galloni
- Decanter 96 pts | Blueberry and blackcurrant with liquorice, tobacco, and bitter chocolate spices. Precision and clarity. Rich, heady, and super promising. Drink 2028–2055. — Georgina Hindle
- Wine Spectator 95 pts | Cassis, plum, blackberry, warm loam, smoldering tobacco, and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish. Best from 2028–2038. — James Molesworth
- Jane Anson 95 pts | Cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, and smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. Drink 2027–2048.
- WK 95+ pts | Minty blackberries and cassis with burning embers, spices, rose petals, and orange rind. Fleshy and concentrated with powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. Drink 2028–2060. — William Kelley
- Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of 2020. Nuanced, promising, with trademark freshness. Bravissimo! Drink 2030–2050.
Food Pairings
- Prime dry-aged ribeye or rack of lamb
- Roasted duck or slow-braised short ribs
- Aged Comté or Époisses
- Truffle dishes or wild mushroom risotto
