2010 Domaine de Chevalier

Clearly in its prime drinking window, the 2010 Domaine De Chevalier is gorgeous stuff, offering a complex mix of both red and black fruits, truffly earth, chocolate, and some meaty, bloody notes. Incredibly concentrated, it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, outstanding balance, and remarkable length. This absolutely classic Domaine de Chevalier will evolve gracefully over the coming 4-5 decades. Drink 2025-2065.

Tannic grip still very much in control, still with the sculpted quality that you find in the 2009 Chevalier. Cocoa bean, cassis, wet stone minerality, a sliver of joy hiding among the intense concentrated black fruits and liquorice root, I suggest giving it another three or four years to get the architecture to really relax. A brilliant way to see the difference in character between the two vintages. Harvest October 6 to 19. 33% new oak for ageing.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Harvested 6 to 19 October. Deep, dark crimson. Subtle and restrained on the nose. Generous fruit on the palate – gourmand and layered. Big tannic structure behind. Enormous depth. More of a powerhouse than 2009. Clearly for the long haul with the potential to surprise. (JL)