Domaine de Chevalier 1986

Domaine de Chevalier 1986 is a mature Left Bank Bordeaux red wine from one of the leading properties in Pessac-Léognan. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this is a fine example of Pessac terroir, with its special micro-climate and free-draining gravel and sand soils. "The 1986 vintage at Domaine de Chevalier was very strong for the vin rouge and as the wine closes in on its 30h birthday, the wine is just starting to edge into its plateau of maturity and offer up some fine drinking. The structure of the 1986 vintage is still in evidence here, but the wine is blossoming nicely from behind it and offers up a deep and complex nose of red and black cherries, Cuban cigars, a superb base of soil tones, a fine note of Graves nuttiness, blossoming smokiness , a touch of brick dust, new leather and just a bit of toasty oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and still moderately tannic, with a fine core, tangy acids and a very long, complex and classy finish that closes with excellent grip and soil drive. The 1986 DDC is still a few years away from really reaching its apogee of maturity, but it is getting closer and is really an excellent wine." John Gilman, 2015