Domaine de Chevalier 2025

Domaine de Chevalier is a historic estate in Pessac-Léognan, the northern part of the Graves in Bordeaux, a region named for its deep gravel soils. Those gravel beds drain freely and reflect heat, ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, the leading grape in this blend, with Merlot adding flesh and Petit Verdot lending colour, spice and tannic backbone. The estate is farmed organically. The Graves gives its reds an earthy, savoury minerality alongside the dark fruit. The wine is aged 18 months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange builds and refines the tannins while the oak contributes cedar, cocoa and gentle spice. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows blackcurrant and cassis, plum and cherry, with cedar, tobacco and an earthy, mineral undertone. The palate is medium to full and finely structured, the dark fruit carried on fresh acidity and polished tannins through a long, savoury finish, in a classic and ageworthy style. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour or two ahead, or cellar. It is a natural match for lamb and beef.