Dry white from Graves, the 2009 Blanc from Domaine de Chevalier blends of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon.
Located in a forest clearing in Graves, this vineyard features a gentle slope composed of gravel and clay, with a maximum elevation of 60 meters. The gravel provides good drainage and retains heat, resulting in a longer ripening period for the grapes. This is precisely where the wine's stony edge comes from
Chevalier ferments the white wine in 30% new oak barrels and then stores the barrels in a room held at 18-20°C. The wine is then aged sur lie for one year with regular bâtonnage, followed by an additional six months of aging.
On the nose, aromas of white currant and melon emerge, followed by notes of flint and crushed stone. These are followed by notes of lime, quince, and honeysuckle, with a wax-like aroma underlying the bouquet. Full-bodied and richly layered, the wine's acidity provides a firm structure without making it feel heavy. Sauvignon Blanc adds a refreshing citrus note, while Semillon contributes body. The finish is long, with a subtle sweetness that still leaves the wine feeling dry. It's enjoyable now, but it's even better when decanted. It's best enjoyed through 2040.
Robert Parker (95)
This wine has closed down since I saw it prior to bottling. A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon from one of the great estates in Pessac-Leognan, the wine has notes of white currants, melon, and flint/crushed rock with a delicate hit of orange and lemon zest. Give it another 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades.
Winespectator (92)
Very fresh and bright, with a lovely racy edge from the start, showing mouthwatering quinine, white peach and Meyer lemon notes that all glide through the deftly toasty finish.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon. Deep greenish gold with some hint of stinky cats pee syrup – and absolutely delicious. This seemed to be at the perfect stage of evolution to drink in 2016. Riper than most vintages would be at seven years old. Rich yet full of life and with a most seductive hint of sweetness on the finish – though overall a very dry wine.
Vinous (92.5)
Bright straw-yellow. An initial aroma of cut hay is followed by tangerine, talc and mint. Bright and creamy on entry, then surprisingly lush and full in the middle, with flavors of ripe citrus fruits and minerals displaying noteworthy precision for such a rich wine. Finishes very long and creamy, with a pleasant lemony zing and lingering minerality. Another great success in the making for this estate. Like many other dry whites in '09, this already gives great pleasure, but unlike most of the rest it will still be giving pleasure in 30 years' time.
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
Pure magic, the 2009 Domaine De Chevalier Blanc shows how special as well as how ageworthy these whites from the Graves region of Bordeaux can be. Revealing a medium gold color as well as a stunning array of caramelized lime, crushed stone, quince, honeysuckle, flowers, and beeswax, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, opulent texture, bright acidity, and a gorgeous finish. Flirting with perfection, it will stand up to anything out there. I'd say it's drinking at point today, yet this bottle improved with air and was still brilliant on day two, so it certainly has a long life ahead of it. Hats off to the Chevalier team for this incredible wine!
