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Wine Description
The Story
Olivier Bernard's extensive project at Domaine de Chevalier has really come to fruition. After a bold and not to mention expensive re-planting program throughout the `80s and then a decade and a half of patience for the vines to gain maturity, we can really see the benefits. 2005, 2008, 2009 and now 2010 rank amongst the very best wines produced in this sprawling commune. Powerful but graceful, true to their terroir, and just so enjoyable to drink; this has become one of our 'must buy' estates. Olivier's wines offer 'super second' class at relatively affordable prices.
Area of production: 5 ha
Average production: 18.000 bottles
Age of vines: ~35 years
Wine Information
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc 75% & Sémillon 25%
Harvest: Hand-picked, into small crates. Grapes are carefully sorted in the vineyard as well as before and after destemming. Started in sauvignons on September 10, end of semillons on September 26 2014.
Vinification: Two vat rooms, one with small tulip shaped tanks (since 2013), to increase the plot selection, complete the extraction and refining the blend. Barrel ageing 16 to 20 months (35% new oak), bâtonnage 4 months (stirring the lees with a stick).
Growing season: A beautiful Indian summer for a great vintage
From August 27, 60 days of sunny weather allowed salutary turnaround and bringing week after week full maturity of our different varieties. A great richness of fruit and at a very good level of acidity (stigma of a cool summer), ensured the highly success of 2014!
Early Spring and excellent conditions during flowering at the beginning of June. Temperate Summer, stormy and wet until late August: the vine grows and maturity is delayed. These special conditions require sustained work of vignerons for the protection of the vineyard... Fortunately, in the last days of August, summer climate is back... until late October! This bright sunshine accompanied by dry winds concentrates the fruit. The cool nights are excellent for good maturity and fine tannins. The different varieties then reach optimum ripeness, including great Cabernet Sauvignon that will be harvested in beauty, the second half of October.
