Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan 2005

97 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc). A few years on from my 2005 retrospective on the site, and this continues to blossom. Succulent, moreish, cassis, gunsmoke, crayon, graphite, liquorice, black cherry, cassis, crushed mint... I could go on. This is just a delicious wine from owner Olivier Bernard. Harvest September 26 to October 12. (4/3/24)"

96 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. Alcohol 13%. Drinking Window: 2023-2042. (9/22/23)"

96 points (18/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "2005 is full and rich. (2010)"

95 points Robert Parker: "A glorious wine from Domaine de Chevalier, this 2005 reveals notes of graphite, subtle charcoal, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a long, multi-dimensional finish. This is a killer effort from the Bernard family, who own this famous terroir in Pessac-Léognan. Drink it over the next 20-30 years. Drink: 2015-2045. (Jun 2015)"

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: 2021-2033. (Apr 2021)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "As Olivier says, 'the perfect climate, the tractors stayed in the garage.' A season of ideal weather and a fine harvest. It presents an understated but unmistakably high class character on the nose, with beautifully defined black fruits showing some early evolution, with threads of currant, crushed chalk and verbena. The palate continues the theme of elegance with confidence combined, with deliciously dark and evolving fruits, all toasted liquorice, truffle and black tea leaf, with a rather juicy vivacity coming from the nicely balanced acidity and a fine frame of tightly grained tannins which provide the support. This is quite charming, so complete, with all you could want from this vintage, with delicious drinkability now, although the potential to go for decades in the cellar is there to see. An excellent wine. Drink now if decanted, or hold. (Sep 2023)"