1978 Domaine de Chevalier

6 August 2011: I did all the 'heavy lifting' at home before taking the meticulously decanted bottle of 1978 Domaine de Chevalier to the restaurant, The French Window.  The cork was rather soft and crumbly and all the bits and pieces finally came out after 5 attempts using various implements.  Bright ruby hue.  A familiar bouquet of violet, blueberry (Richard said redcurrant), leather, cigar box, cedar and stony minerality greets the nose with a good deal of intensity. Medium bodied, with the flavours slowly and gracefully filling the palate, leaving a lingering finish, with just a hint of sweet tobacco at the finish.  Quintessential old-fashioned claret, harmonious and unassuming, a great pleasure to enjoy now.  For me, this is drinking at peak now, although it could certainly be enjoyed over the next 2 - 3  years with careful cellaring (be wary of potentially delicate cork condition).  17/20

We thought the cepe bisque was lacking in flavours for a restaurant of this quality. The two fish dishes (grilled turbot and lemon sole) that we had were perfectly executed.  The best part however was the cheese platter -- all the cheeses were nicely matured - 'a point'!  A bit strange to have the cheese served with brioche toast.....perhaps the restaurant could consider serving Poilane toast or the plain bread rolls that came at the beginning of the meal?