Cory Gowan, JJ Buckley, April 2012

65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, and 5% petit verdot. Malolactic and aging take place in a mix of 40% new, 30% once used, and 30% twice used, barrels. This 40-hectare section of vineyard is planted with a density of 10,000 vines/ha and an average vine age of 35 years. The vineyards are organically farmed. Hand-harvested between September 8th and 24th and hand sorted three times, yields were 34 hl/ha. Deep dark ruby color, the nose features aromas of cassis and blackberry along with a note of clay. Soft and dense on entry with a chewy mouthfeel, this has very deep flavors that take some coaxing to emerge at this young stage, but the concentration is admirable. This shows great complexity, with aromas and flavors of cassis and blackberry, a hint of tar, and very concentrated, layered wood smoke. Soft and supple. Stephane Derenoncourt consults on the Chevalier rouge. Tasted three times. Enjoy 2016-2026.

93 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2012

Very polished tannins to this refined and beautiful red with minerals and blackberries. Some wet earth too. Full and very integrated now.

90 -92 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2012

The 2011 is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Merlot but Olivier Bernard then mentioned that is includes 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is closed at first but it demonstrates fine precision with blackcurrant, boysenberry, limestone and graphite aromas, again, almost Pauillac like in profile. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry, crisp acidity: a Domaine de Chevalier struck through with a citric like freshness. A little abrupt and "spiky" on the finish perhaps, but this is a fine, masculine, classic Domaine de Chevalier for mid-term drinking. Tasted April 2012.

89 -91 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2012

Deep ruby. Aromas of red berries, minerals and herbs leap from the glass. On the palate, zippy acidity provides considerable lift to the red berry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes juicy, graceful and long, with an attractive floral touch.

91 -93 points,

Wine Enthusiast, May 2012

This wine's concentrated tannins match the sweet fruit and ripe acidity. It shows structure and density, with its blackberry flavor already showing well. - R.V.

89 -92 points,

Wine Spectator, April 2012

Firm, slightly dusty-edged plum and cassis fruit here, with a good sappy feel on the finish. Underlying tarry edge. Solid, if a bit reticent today.-J.M.

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