Chateau Domaine de Chevalier   Domaine de Chevalier

2005 Domaine de Chevalier

By Chateau Domaine de Chevalier

2005 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux has consistently charmed the palates of connoisseurs and collectors alike, and the 2005 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier stands as a remarkable testament to this extraordinary harvest. Nestled in the revered Pessac-Leognan appellation, this particular vintage eloquently captures the harmonious interplay between terroir and climate that year.

 

Quintessential Characteristics of 2005

Boasting an impressive assembly of structure, elegance, and longevity, the 2005 Domaine de Chevalier resonates with the exceptional quality of its vintage. The climatic conditions throughout 2005 saw warm days tempered by cooler nights—ideal for meticulous ripening of grapes infused with complexity. On both the nose and palate, one can discern a sublime tapestry woven with dark fruits, notably blackcurrant and plum, alongside enchanting traces of smoke and graphite courtesy of its gracious aging.

 

Anatomy of a Fine Vintage

Tannins in the 2005 vintage present themselves assertively yet finely polished—promising investors in fine wine a lasting potential for cellaring. Furthermore, it's this structure that indicates a continued evolution within the confines of the bottle, maturing into an ever more sophisticated poise over time. The judicious use of oak has led to an embrace between spice notes and the wine’s fruit core, accommodating a lavish yet impeccably balanced profile.

This bottling not only offers an insight into the illustrious character of Bordeaux blends from Pessac-Leognan but also stands as a beacon investment piece for enthusiasts aiming to diversify their portfolios with a storied vintage. Such is the allure of the 2005 Domaine de Chevalier from Chateau Domaine de Chevalier—it welcomes you into a world where every sip reverberates with the excellence of that year's extraordinary harvest.

 

Conclusion: An Investable Anthology

It is clear that the 2005 Domaine de Chevalier quite marvelously encapsulates both time and place—a snapshot of an idyllic Bordeaux year. Connoisseurs seeking to enrich their collection will find this offering not only endearing in its current state but also brimming with potential for future pleasure and portfolio enrichment. Its continued facade as one of the most compelling narratives in wine investment remains unwavering—a distinguished chapter in any discerning collector’s anthology.

Market price (CAD)

$1,560.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

67.14

Scores and tasting notes

94

This is really pure and fruity with flowers and stones. Full and dense, but still a bit tight. Not really giving much at the moment, but beautifully balanced and silky, and opening up to a long, long finish. This is excellent. Pull the cork after 2015.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012

92

Perhaps the finest wine made at this estate in many years (no doubt due to the influence of wine consulting guru Stephane Derenoncourt), the 2005 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with tiny portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A dark ruby/purple hue is followed by a classic Graves bouquet of charcoal, graphite, creosote, smoked herbs, sweet black cherries, and spice box. The wine is elegant on the attack, but fills out beautifully with a multilayered, rich mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a plush, opulent finish. This brilliant claret may turn out to be even better than my score suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030+.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176

91

Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. This has great purity and exuberance on the nose, certainly one of the one more generous 2005’s with blackberry, raspberry sorbet, vanilla and a touch of black pepper. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied and just a little disjointed on the entry. It is underpinned by grippy tannins, a little dry and broody at the moment with a foursquare finish. This is a wine that seems to be enduring an “up and down” youth. I am sure it will sort itself out in the end. Tasted July 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2012

Vintage performance