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1988 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan

SKU #951292 92 points John Gilman

Outer quote mark I have not drunk the 1988 vintage of Domaine de Chevalier with anywhere near the same frequency as I have other vintages of the 1980s here, but the ’88 vintage is one I like far more than many commentators and I had high expectations for this wine at our vertical tasting of the property held in the summer of 2017. The wine did not disappoint, as it is complete on both the nose and palate and was just about ready to start drinking beautifully as it neared its thirtieth birthday. The nose delivers an aromatic constellation of red plums, a touch of blood orange, cigar wrapper, that inimitable DDC soil, cigar smoke, a bit of vanillin oak and a lovely topnote of raw cocoa. On the palate the wine is pure, deep and full-bodied, with lovely focus and soil signature, still a bit of moderate, buried tannins and a long, complex and perfectly balanced finish. When I tasted this in June of 2017, I felt two or three more years would be perfect for it, so I would anticipate that it is now squarely into its apogee of peak drinkability. Fine juice. 92+ Inner quote mark (9/2020)

90 points Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark Domaine de Chevalier produced one of the finest wines of this vintage in 1988. It is dark ruby, with an unevolved but generous bouquet of smoky new oak, cassis, and flowers. This fleshy, generously-endowed, medium-bodied wine is the finest effort from this property since their 1983. Inner quote mark (12/1997)

90 points Vinous

Outer quote mark Though I have tasted most vintages of this estate, it is my first encounter with the 1988 Domaine de Chevalier when I visited the property. It has a dark garnet core with commensurate bricking on the rim for a 30-year old wine. The bouquet is decidedly old school: vestiges of black fruit intermingling with cigar box, smoke and pressed flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, rather dry tannin. The second feels a little more mature than the first, missing a little flesh and finish in slightly austere fashion, but it never relinquishes its freshness and there is piquancy that you cannot help falling for. Avoid if you want “gobs of fruit” but welcome this onto your dinner table if you have a penchant for traditional Claret. Tasted at the château. (NM) Inner quote mark (2/2018)

90 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark Slightly earthy and funky, with a barbecue sauce undertone to the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and finish. Drying out a little now, but still attractive and excellent. *Highly Recommended* Inner quote mark (6/2009)

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1988 Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan

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Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends

- Cabernet Sauvignon has come a long way from its role as a blending varietal, however dominant, in the wines of Bordeaux. Today it is the most planted red varietal in the world. Identified as a descendent of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be planted in warmer climates to fully ripen. Its small berries can easily be identified for their distinctive blue color, thick skins and high tannins. And while the varietal has its own definitive characteristics: green pepper-like aromas and black currant flavors among them, it is perhaps most prized for its ability to convey terroir, vintage and winemaking. A relatively new varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon started making inroads into the wines of the Médoc and Graves in the late-18th century. Today it is also dominant in the up-and-coming Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux and can also be found in Southwest France. It is the companion varietal to Sangiovese in Italy's Super Tuscans and is planted all over Europe, stretching to lesser-known winegrowing regions like Russia and Lebanon. In the Americas Cabernet Sauvignon has found champions in every nook and cranny of California and among winemakers in Washington, where it complements plantings of Merlot. In South America, Cab thrives in Chile, but can also be found in smaller amounts in Argentina and even in Mexico.

Country:

France

- When it comes to wine, France stands alone. No other country can beat it in terms of quality and diversity. And while many of its Region, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne most obviously, produce wine as rare, as sought-after and nearly as expensive as gold, there are just as many obscurities and values to be had from little known appellations throughout the country. To learn everything there is to know about French wine would take a lifetime. To understand and appreciate French wine, one only has to begin tasting them.

Sub-Region:

Bordeaux

Specific Appellation:

Pessac-Leognan/Graves

- Graves is the large red and white wine region located to the southeast of the city of Bordeaux along the Garonne River. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the red wines from the area, while the whites are mixtures of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The most important area within the Graves is the village of Pessac-Leognan. Most of the great chateaux, including Haut Brion, a premier cru and the only wine outside of the Medoc to be included in the 1855 Classification, are located in this small appellation. Graves derives its name from the rocky, stony terrain of the region. Many people believe that the stony soil radiates the day's heat at night and thus makes the grapes ripen earlier than the other regions in Bordeaux.