Bordeaux 2014 Primeurs: Pessac-Léognan Tasting Notes
Although it is appropriate to cast the spotlight in such detail on Château La Mission Haut-Brion and Château Haut-Brion, unquestionably the number one domaines in the appellation, there is one other domaine I am also itching to discuss.
I encountered the 2014 Domaine de Chevalier at a press tasting and was immediately captivated. This domaine has been in the ascendant for about two decades now, proprietor Olivier Bernard pushing the quality envelope since taking over the domaine back in 1983. Although it is not that long since I last visited Domaine de Chevalier, in June 2014, I wasn’t able to visit during the primeurs and so I don’t have a lot of background information on this vintage here. But the wine impressed with its inky-dark hue and crimson rim, and with its beautifully expressive nose, dripping with perfumed fruit. And while so many wines show the leanness of the vintage on the palate this just isn’t a problem here, the wine full of substance, ripe and integrated. It is, without a doubt, candidate for my top wine of the appellation in this vintage, right up there with Château Haut-Brion.
Château Haut-Bailly
As was also the case with Château Figeac and Château La Conseillante this year, Château Haut-Bailly withdrew from UGC activities meaning a visit to the domaine is necessary in order to taste the wine. This was no bother, as in the past couple of years I have tended to visit anyway, both during the primeurs and at other times. I was lucky enough here to taste in the company of Véronique Sanders.
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