drink-now2005 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan

Domaine de Chevalier is among the few Graves estates producing first-class reds and whites. The property was purchased by the Ricard family in 1865 and remained in their hands until it was bought by the Bernard distilling company in 1983.

I fell in love with this, first in the barrel and then bottle. The best wines of 2005 show an irrepressible energy, and as soon as the aromatics of the Chevalier hit you, you can feel the vigour in the rich, intoxicating black fruit and the mineral, gravelly overtones that only great Graves can offer.

The seemingly endless finish and perfect harmony of this wine, combined with the firm yet supple tannins, immensely concentrated fruit and life-giving acidity, look set to make this a legendary Domaine de Chevalier.

Rich, ripe, intense and complex nose. Generous, full, concentrated palate with rich fruit, vanilla and spices."