1985 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 1x75cl

JancisRobinson.com – 16.5

(magnum, drunk at dinner) Unlike the 1995 served alongside, this needed a great deal of aeration to show at its best. Initially it had the vegetable stink of reduction. Only medium bodied and very classic style of long-living, very Sauvignon Dom de Chev Blanc. Quite racy. Oak very low key. [18/02/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015

Vinous – 88

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 12.2% alcohol): Medium-deep red with a hint of amber at the rim. Woodsy notes of underbrush, rosemary, marjoram and old leather complement discreet red berries on the nose. Enters sweet yet juicy, offering good fleshiness to its sweet, ripe red berry and red cherry flavors complicated by orange rind and sweet spices. Finishes persistent but a little simple, with notes of coffee bean and tobacco. This is drinking well now and won’t gain by further aging. A little disappointing in the context of the vintage. [Ian D’Agata, 04/01/2013]

Robert Parker – 88

The 1985 Domaine de Chevalier has always been a good but not great example from the estate. Perhaps proprietor Olivier Bernard is still finding his feet after taking over in 1983. The best example was a magnum poured in 2009 and, in some ways, this bottle mirrored that showing. The bouquet is fully mature and still has the soft and loose-knit nose but is more loamy than previous examples and needs more cohesion. The palate is medium- rather than full-bodied these days. There is lovely balance here-nonchalant and unpretentious-with just a touch of truffle and a hint of black olive. My main criticism is that it flatlines on the last third, and as I have said before, it requires more length. Thoroughly enjoyable, yet as I remarked before, not profound. Tasted May 2017. [28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027