Domaine de Chevalier 1990

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Domaine de Chevalier 1990

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a deep, dark hue of powerful carmine. Over time, it evolves towards subtle coppery reflections, edged with delicate amber and tawny nuances.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet proves remarkably complex. It opens on black fruit aromas such as cherry and blackcurrant, before revealing empyreumatic notes of smoke and toast. Aeration releases noble tertiary scents of undergrowth, truffle, tobacco and spice, enhanced by surprising touches of verbena and lime.

Palate
The palate offers an incredibly velvety texture, supported by supple, perfectly integrated tannins. Juicy and endowed with a fine minerality, the palate combines a fresh structure with great depth, lingering on a persistent finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

This great red wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted red meats, such as a rib of beef. It will also enhance mushroom-based sauce dishes, game such as a venison stew, or regional specialities like duck confit.

Serving and Cellaring

Domaine de Chevalier 1990 has reached a superb stage of maturity and can be enjoyed now, while still retaining ageing potential for a few more years. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 16°C, in large tulip-shaped glasses. Opening the bottle one to two hours before serving is advised, avoiding overly prolonged decanting.

The Elegance and Complexity of a Great Pessac-Léognan Wine

The Estate

Located in the Bordeaux region, Domaine de Chevalier truly came into being as a wine estate in 1865 under the impetus of the Ricard family. Nicknamed the "secret garden of the Graves", this property spans 80 hectares, of which around 66 hectares are devoted to vines. Acquired in 1983, the estate is today run by Olivier Bernard and his family. Combining a rich historical heritage with a modern vision, it is renowned for the excellence and consistency of its wines.

The Vineyard

Nestled at the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the vineyard benefits from an exceptional environment where the vines coexist with the forest, creating a cool, protective microclimate. The vines, averaging 35 years of age, thrive on clay-gravel soils that promote excellent drainage while retaining water reserves. The vineyard work is carried out with extreme precision, much like a true garden.

The Vintage

1990 is recognised as one of the finest vintages of the late century. The weather was warm yet remarkably balanced, allowing the berries to reach optimal phenolic ripeness while preserving a lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes are hand-harvested with a rigorous selection of the finest bunches. The winemaking process reflects a pivotal period, blending the estate's traditional expertise with the modernisation of the cellars initiated by the Bernard family. Ageing, carried out in quality barrels, imparts a fine patina to the wine, lending it subtly smoky and spicy notes.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (5%), Cabernet Franc (2%).