1989 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 1x75cl

Robert Parker – 92

Served from ex-chateau magnum at Taillevent. A deep garnet core with a thin mahogany rim. The nose is more reticent than the ’85 and indeed, the bottle poured at last year’s vertical. Blackberry, black olive tapenade, redcurrant, leather, cedar and just that trait of mint developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with a sappy, slightly pinched entry at first but then broadening out on the middle. Red fruits to the fore and on this magnum this is almost a honeyed texture towards the finish, but still maintaining great balanced and verve. This is a great ’89. Drink now-2020. Tasted September 2009. [01/09/2009]

Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020

JancisRobinson.com – 16.0

(magnum, drunk at dinner) Wet wool middle aged characters with some notes of dried cumin. Quite alcoholic and oily. At an awkward age – may improve dramatically. [18/02/2006]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2012

Vinous – 94+

(a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 12.2% alcohol): Medium-deep red. Captivating, intense aromas of red cherry and red berries complicated by cinnamon and clove. Rich, dense and suave, with fleshy, mouthcoating flavors of red cherry, redcurrant and aromatic wood spices. Finishes very long and sweet, with pure spice notes and rising, polished tannins. A great wine. Olivier Bernard has always considered this wine to be potentially on a par with past great Domaine de Chevalier reds such as the ’45, ’61 and ’70. [Ian D’Agata, 04/01/2013]