Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux, France) 2009

 A criticism of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage is that the ripeness and power obliterate the origin and typicity of the wines.  That may be true for some, but not for Domaine de Chevalier, who, as usual, made a gorgeous wine.  Ripe and lush flavors intermingle seamlessly with earthy and dusty notes, maintaining the alluring ash-like signature of Pessac-Léognan.  The tannins are plush and polish.  Extraordinarily long, the wow-factor is the seemingly endless array of flavors, not just its power.  It’s classy and elegant and given the price of many of the ‘09 Bordeaux, a relative bargain.