Domaine de Chevalier red - Pessac-Léognan 2003

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

This evolved 2003 exhibits lots of smoky barbecue spices intermixed with notes of cedarwood, underbrush, damp forest, plums and figs. Medium-bodied, fully mature and relatively complex, it requires consumption over the next 4-5 years.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe2/3/2009

Tasted at the château. As expected, this has a very rounded nose with dense black fruits, black plum, limestone, and wild mint. Considering the vintage it shows good definition. It has a soft entry, quite grainy tannins, spicier, slightly chocolaty than other vintages, with a cohesive, almost Pomerol like finish but of course with more structure and austerity. Unfortunately it cuts away short on the finish, rather than fanning out like the 2004. Drink 2009-2015. Tasted September 2008.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

Right Bank consultant Stephane Derenoncourt was brought in as the lead consultant at this noble estate in Pessac-Leognan. As a result, the tannins are sweeter, the oak is more subtle and better integrated, and the wine is more textured and complex. An evolved, complex bouquet of black currants, forest floor, smoked herbs, and sweet cherries as well as currants emerges from the 2003. It displays supple tannin, medium to full body, beautiful purity, and a classic, elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2019.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

Intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, tobacco and milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a beautiful finish of ripe fruit and light earth. Very balanced and refined. Delicious already. Best after 2010. 7,500 cases made.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

This looks to be a well-made wine with a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, better integration of new oak than I have seen in some other recent vintages, and a relatively broad attack with notes of vanilla, red and black currants, spice box, and earth. Its nice, plump texture is followed by a wine with good definition, moderate tannin, sweetness, and depth. If it puts on more weight, look for it to merit an outstanding score. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020.

Wine Spectator

85-88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe6/30/2004

A fresh and fruity red with plum and tobacco character. Medium body, with a solid core of fruit and fine tannins and a medium finish. Nicely done. Almost 89-91.

GaultMillau

91-93 / 100

the6/30/2004

De grande classe, Domaine de Chevalier donne un vin raffiné aux beaux tannins fins qui sont extraits avec une grande justesse.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

A soft, open-knit, evolved, sexy style of Domaine de Chevalier, the 2003 exhibits wood smoke, barbecue spice, and complex, jammy plum and cherry characteristics. More class and restraint are found on the palate in this medium-bodied, spicy, lightly tannic, low acid effort. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.