1985 Domaine de Chevalier

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.

Looks quite a young, simple crimson. Not fully ripe. Rather ordinary. (JR)

The 1985's attractive bouquet is followed by sweet, ripe, rich fruit, and light tannins. It has matured more quickly than I thought and appears well-developed. It lacks the concentration one usually expects of wines from this property. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 6/93. Wine Advocate.August, 1993