The 2015 Domaine de Chevalier from Pessac-Léognan is a Bordeaux Blend made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), complemented by Merlot (30%) and a touch of Petit Verdot (5%). This red wine, matured for 18 months in a mix of new and aged barrels, presents a medium to deep garnet-purple color.
A standout feature of this vintage is its aromatic profile. Jeb Dunnuck, awarding it a remarkable 97 points, praised its "soaring aromatics of caramelized black cherries, cassis, lead pencil shavings, and forest floor," noting its deep, full-bodied, and intense character. James Suckling, also scoring it 97, highlighted the "suave, spicy oak and warm, stony aromas," and described the palate as having "smooth, velvety tannins" with an "impressive" finish.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, scoring it 95, described the wine as "finely crafted and refreshing," with a persistent finish and minerally undertones. The Wine Enthusiast echoed this sentiment with another 95, noting the wine's "ripe, rich and generous" nature, with firm tannins supporting the fruitiness.
Wine Spectator, awarding 92 points, found the wine to have a "solid core of gently steeped plum and blackberry fruit," complemented by "warm ganache and roasted vanilla notes." Similarly, Decanter emphasized the wine's complexity, suggesting that while it is currently "a little angular and closed," it promises to unveil its full potential with time.
Overall, the 2015 Domaine de Chevalier is a wine of elegance and complexity, with exceptional reviews predicting its continued development. As Jane Anson noted, it is "very Left Bank, very Chevalier, very delicious," making it a noteworthy expression of its region and vintage. The consensus among reviewers suggests this wine will benefit from further aging, with a drinking window extending well into future decades.
