1996 CHÂTEAU DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 1996

(04-1997) Dark red color. Good intensity. Purple. Nose of medium intensity. Fin. Fruity. Pepper note. Pepper touch when stirred. Costs. Soft attack, develops on a soft, very fruity, rather fatty structure, which evolves by melting on flavors of cherry chocolate. Coated finish and good persistence, a little warm and spicy, but also lively. Good persistence.

(07-2016) Tasted at the château, the 1996 Domaine de Chevalier certainly surpassed my expectations even though I would caution that I think Olivier Bernard has made better vintages since then. Deep in color, the nose is quite captivating with black fruit, brine and crushed stone. I like the strictness here -- very 1996 in style. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a svelte texture. The bead of acidity lends this tension although I found that finish surprisingly backward and just lacked that peacock's tail that would have warranted a higher score. Of course, there is a chance that this could come with time because it is undeniably very well balanced and pure. It just needs a bit more ... ambition. Tasted July 2016.