The 1976 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was served blind by Olivier Bernard when I visited the property and Olivier being Olivier, served it against the 1976 Clos Ste. Hune! Irrespective of the comparison, the Pessac-Léognan put in an extremely impressive and yes, exotic performance. The color was tinged straw as you would expect given the age, however the freshness on the nose throws you away from this hot summer, still vibrant with scents of grilled almond, walnut and brioche. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, moderate weight in the mouth with an appealing waxy texture, as if there was a cheeky dollop of Marsanne in the blend. As Robert Parker noted in his note from 1990, there is something atypical here, but I agree with him that it is a delicious wine. Displaying fine length and weight, this is one of the best old vintages of Domaine de Chevalier Blanc that I have come across in recent years. Tasted April 2016.

This vintage produced a medium gold-colored wine, with a relatively direct, open-knit, honeyed nose, a great deal of body and glycerin in the mouth, and a long, alcoholic, fat finish. I find this wine delicious, but atypical for Domaine de Chevalier. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 12/90.