Domaine de Chevalier 2004

Professional Ratings

• 95 Wine & Spirits
  The fineness of Chevalier's tannin is matched by the nobility of the fruit, a cabernet that rides high across the palate, then lasts as a deep chord of flavor. The integration of the tannin and firm, currantlike fruit creates the wine's beauty for now, compelling for its balance of freshness and concentration. Sleek and dry as the stones in which it grows, this has lasting fruit richness for a long life ahead.
• 93 Wine Enthusiast
  This property, run so expertly by Olivier Bernard, is now making reds that almost equal its legendary whites. This 2004 is intensely solid, dominated by black berry fruits, by spice, some smokiness aromas. It is finely balanced, smooth, with wood and tannins well integrated.
  Editors' Choice
• 92 Decanter
  The colour remains deep from centre to the rim of the glass, we are in rich stately purple, touches of black chocolate on the attack, some lovely gathering together of the tannins over the palate, although they are hard-edged as many 2004s are, even at 14 years old. Certainly got lots of ageing ahead of it, and has a curl of cigar and slate through the palate, nice upwards motion to the acidity.
• 92 James Suckling
  A round and silky red now with dark chocolate, stone and blackberry character. Full body, firm tannins and a juicy finish. Austere at the finish.
• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Thankfully, this estate appears to have scaled down their use of new oak as the wood component is much more subtle than in previous vintages. The classic southern Graves version of elegance, the 2004 Domaine de Chevalier exhibits aromas of lead pencil shavings, sweet cherry and strawberry fruit, cedar, spice, and subtle smoke. Medium-bodied with outstanding purity, richness, and texture, this soft, round beauty is ideal for drinking over the next 15+ years.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Aromas of blackberry and delicate tobacco, with just a hint of toasty oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing finish. This is all in finesse and length.