1981 Domaine de Chevalier
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Brought by Steven Spurrier. Rather overshadowed by the freshness and verve of the Rieslings served immediately beforehand but a fine example of the style for current drinking. Presumably on its second wind. Not fat. But I wouldn’t keep it. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Quite rich and intense on the nose – ripe! Very sweet and beguiling though less terroir-marked than some other wines. Is this the 1982? Unresolved for the moment. Still a set of elements rather than a whole. This wine sems less marked by Dom de Chev character than many but is very flattering because of its ripeness. A very very good 1981. I thought it was the 1982! (JR)
The 1981 Domaine de Chevalier is well made, but lacks flavor dimension, depth, and charm. This medium-bodied wine has a pronounced vanillin oakiness, aggressive tannins, ruby color, and a lean finish. Will it ever blossom and provide real pleasure? Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 3/89.
About the producer
Since buying the property in 1983, the Bernard family has cemented Domaine de Chevalier’s reputation as one of the Graves’s finest red and white wine producers, known for their sophisticated and elegant wines.