March 30, 2024 - An incredible wine. Not showy, but the complexity sneaks up on you. Clear SB nose, but not obviously so. Some tropical flavours, herbal and some wax notes. The palate is amazing. The Sémillon really shows here. Honey, wax, orange oil. Rich but balanced
December 14, 2023 - CdB Committee Meeting: Light gold plus color. Drank a glass over 90 minutes. Peach pit, apricot, lychee, tart unripe mango, parafin, spicy, really shows that shellac character on the back end which gives it that sharpness on the back end. Showing some alcohol too. Have one more to compare at some point.
December 11, 2023 - Another premox'd bottle of this wine. 2 of 2 - so far. Extremely disappointing.
September 24, 2023 - From 375ml… This is outstanding. Spices, cured lemon, vanilla bean, linseed oil and incense. Dry and slightly oxidative in style, there’s great intensity from acids and dry extract combined with an oily unctuousness that is the perfect foil to the brightness and energy. Definitely a style that harkens more towards a Rioja blanco than anything in France, but still it is somehow different/fresher than an address like Lopez de Heredia. Whatever the profile, I think this is magnifico. 93-94 pts.
August 19, 2023 - Oxidized
July 1, 2023 - Bordeaux Wimps June 2023 - 1945 (La Trompette): Had been very much looking forward to this - an in condition bottle of Domaine de Chevalier blanc is a real treat. At first smell - of not poxed, then very definitely oxed. Fell apart in the glass. Shame shame shame - if dry white bordeaux could just fix its pox problem it would bring so much joy to the world.
April 3, 2023 - Super-premium Bordeaux Tasting (at my home): Opened and lowered to shoulder 2 hours prior to tasting.
The wine developed nicely along few hours.
Luscious and complex wine that showcases the finesse and elegance of white Bordeaux.
Made from a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon, and 5% Muscadelle.
Bright golden hue and a fragrant bouquet of ripe citrus, white peach, apricot, honeydew melon, and acacia flowers, along with subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and mineral.
On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, yet also crisp and refreshing, with layers of juicy fruit flavors and a creamy texture that is nicely balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, mineral finish.
The oak aging (35% new) adds a subtle spiciness and complexity to the wine, but doesn't overwhelm its freshness and purity. This wine is drinking beautifully now, but it has the potential to age gracefully for another decade or more.
It would be a perfect match for rich seafood dishes, roasted poultry, or creamy cheese.
December 25, 2022 - Bought at auction a year ago. Bottle looks pristine. Halfway to premox--lots of honey. I Have had similar bad luck with the 2005. I won't buy this wine going forward unless it is a new vintage
October 9, 2022 - Strange, as this bottle seemed a lot oakier than the one a couple of years ago; not a good thing even though I often don't mind that sort of thing. At times one could float away on a soft, creamy cloud of honeycomby Semillon, but at others the wine seemed disjointed, bitter and too marked by vanilla. Better with food (roast chicken with apple cider vinegar gravy). Will my final bottle be Jekyll or Hyde?
August 26, 2022 - This is a gorgeous Graves with lemon zest and pomelo atop the gravelly minerality. Drank as a cocktail wine but would pair perfectly with oysters. Still youthful.