Domaine de Chevalier 1992

Lots of tobacco and some pretty plum and berry character. Medium-bodied, with medium tannins and a cedary, mineral finish.

A little meaty and savory on the nose, with some chocolate, soy sauce and Bovril as well as toasted touches, a bit of wood still. Lively and upfront, acidic, quite tangy and verging on sour; it makes the mouth water straight away but counters it with touches of green pepper, tobacco and cedar. Not so harmonious on the palate, lacking a little balance and togetherness. Tannins are a bit dry too, but there are lovely mineral aspects on the finish that put you on the terroir. Salt, flint, wet stones, graphite and dried tobacco.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Harvested 27 September to 7 October. Deeper hue than 1991. Muddy nose with a touch of mint and herb. Lots of acidity and very little fruit. Short, abrupt finish. Well past the drinking date but probably never very impressive. (JL)

93: Barrel sample (15/20): inky, smoky, coffee, black elderberry. Powerful extract, Cabernet traces indicating slight underripeness, fine chocolaty bitterness, pleasant finish, medium length. 96: Medium colour, lightening at the rim. The bouquet shows red-berry notes but also a slightly green touch. On the palate, lots of coffee from overly toasted barrels. 15/20 drink – 2006

Light, delicate, sweet bouquet with caramel notes and roasted aromas. Light, fragrant palate with fine-grained, gently sandy tannins. Medium-length finish. 16/20 to drink - 2006

Bordeaux red colour. Medium intensity. Evolved. Nose of medium intensity. Smoky. Oaky. Fluid, fruity attack developing on a light, silky structure that becomes sapid, without losing its fruit, leading to a medium-length finish where the oak brings more refined nuances. A tasty ensemble with an acid-driven balance. Best enjoyed in summer.

The 1992 offers copious toasty vanillin notes in its fruity nose, as well as a fine dark ruby color. While lighter and more one-dimensional than usual, it is concentrated, soft, and oaky. It should drink well for 7–8 years.