1998 Domaine de Chevalier
By Chateau Domaine de Chevalier
1998 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Embarking on a retrospective journey to the 1998 vintage, one discovers a point in Bordeaux's illustrious timeline when the elements aligned to craft wines of significant prowess. The 1998 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier is emblematic of that year's pedigree; a vintage graced by an ideal culmination of climatic conditions which nurtured the vineyards of Pessac-Leognan to yield wines of formidable structure and complexity.
Capturing a Moment in Time
The autumn harvest breathed life into the grapes of this noble estate, with meticulous selection securing only those berries which promised a confluence of power and elegance. Nurtured on the gravelly soils typical of the Pessac-Leognan appellation, the 1998 vintage encapsulates the quintessential characteristics that have come to define this hallowed terroir.
Pouring into the glass, one is met with a resplendent garnet hue, while an ethereal bouquet of blackcurrant, earthy truffle and tobacco leaf announces itself with poetic assertiveness. Upon entry, the palate is regaled with graceful notes of ripe plum and cedar, harmonised by a well-judged acidity that punctuates each sip with precision.
This vintage also sees robust tannins finding their equilibrium with age, now offering a silk-like texture that commands both respect and contemplation from the aficionado and investor alike. As this elegant wine meets its apex of maturity, it showcases its inherent ability to provide drinking pleasure and investment reward in equal measure.
An Opulent Ode to Pessac-Leognan’s Finesse
Lending itself brilliantly well to cellaring, investors perceive its continued allure as recognition converges upon the outstanding nature of this wine's constitution. The 1998 Domaine de Chevalier has indeed blossomed into a stately representation of Pessac-Leognan at its best, one that illustrates how judicious climate can elevate a vintage beyond the ordinary constraints of time.
In essence, as a connoisseur peruses offerings with both gustatory delight and fiscal prudence in mind, the 1998 Domaine de Chevalier remains an indubitable bastion among Bordeaux wines meriting consideration. It stands not just as a monument to an excellent harvest but as testament to the consummate artistry practised at Chateau Domaine de Chevalier.
Market price (CAD)
$1,350.00
12x75cl
Highest score
88
POP score
101.25
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the Domaine de Chevalier vertical in London. A deep garnet core. The nose is a rather conservative: an accountant's nose playing it safe and not wishing to dance at the party. Dense black, toasty fruits, cassis, a touch of violets but it is all very contained rather than bursting forth from the glass. The palate has an understated entry although the mid-palate does demonstrate very nice balance and delineation, good acidity, a rather coy Domaine de Chevalier that is rather linear towards the leafy finish with notes of blackberry and black plum. Drink now-2016 Tasted May 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2009
This dark ruby-colored Domaine de Chevalier reveals aggressive spicy new oak in the nose, along with notions of tobacco, smoke, and black cherries. While medium-bodied and stylish, it lacks the necessary depth to qualify as one of the stars of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #134