Jeb Dunnuck
As to the red, the 2005 Domaine De Chevalier is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This rich, full-bodied Graves reveals a lively ruby/plum hue with almost no bricking and offers classic notes of smoked tobacco, gravelly earth, currants, roasted herbs, and blackberries. I love its overall balance and it has ripe, integrated tannins, and beautiful length on the finish. You can safely drink this beauty any time over the coming 10-15+ years. (Drink between 2024-2040). 95 Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2005 Domaine de Chevalier is in a gorgeous spot in which it has developed striking aromatic nuance while retaining quite a bit of fruit. Leather, smoke, tobacco, gravel, dried herbs and spice lend quite a bit of complexity. Bold and savory in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2005 will drink well for another decade-plus, maybe more. I very much like the energy here. The red often flies under the radar, but there is no mistaking the beauty and pedigree here. Several recent bottles have been terrific. Olivier Bernard and his family turned out a regal 2005. (Drink between 2021-2033). 95 Points
Jane Anson, Decanter
Firm plum in colour, this grabs you straight off the bat. A beautifully rich nose, still young with a relatively closed tannic frame, will open further over the next few years, but the silky depths to the texture are clear. Packed with liqourice, black cherry, cassis, cooling mint freshness that reallly draws out the palate, this is pure class, up there with the all time greatest Chevaliers. A clear buy - and if you already own it, get ready to enjoy. 97 Points
Georgina Hindle, Decanter
Warm bouillon herbs, black fruits, liquorice and toast on the nose. Smells ripe and heady. Smooth, succulent, filling and playful. This combines beautifully textured tannins (firm, but fine and filling) with ripe but also fresh fruit - blueberries, black cherries, plums, but fresh and lifted. I love the energy here, the texture is sublime, filling, round, opulent but controlled. Lots of playfulness here, seriously constructed, this has muscles and sinew, but also excellent acidity and purity. Refined but eminently pleasurable with the licks of wet stone, graphite, flint and tobacco at the end. Lots of life but drinking very well right now. More friendly than the 2006 for sure. More life, power and push than the 2007. Hold on to this or just tuck in. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. (Drink between 2023-2042). 96 Points
Panos Kalaviastos, Decanter
Somewhat similar to the 2010 vintage in terms of tannic power, but more relaxed, revealing burgeoning tertiary, leafy tobacco elegance, making it more enjoyable to drink today. A powerful wine with impressive tannin. (Drink between 2023-2060). 96 Points
