Domaine de Chevalier - L'Esprit de Chevalier 2021

The magnificent Domaine de Chevalier is at the top of Bordeaux's greatest Crus Classes. Like a secret garden, this emblematic vintage of the Pessac-Leognan appellation is located in a green setting south of Bordeaux. The elements of domain, terroir, and vineyard are inextricably linked to forge the identity of Domaine de Chevalier.

The Domaine de Chevalier has been owned by the Bernard family since 1983. It watches over a rare vineyard of 45 hectares with 40 hectares of red vines and 5 hectares of white vines. Olivier Bernard, the estate’s manager, reminds us "Only a great terroir can produce a great wine". In a mosaic of terroirs, Domaine de Chevalier's vineyard grows in black sand and fine white gravel that rests on a perfectly drained clay-gravel subsoil. With a philosophy centered on revealing the most beautiful expression of this exceptional terroir, Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) dominates the estate’s vines with Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (2%) making up the remaining vines. Bordeaux's emblematic white grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc, represents 70% of the area dedicated to white vines. The other 30% is dedicated to Semillon.

Great attention is paid to every step in the vineyard and in the winery from extremely precise plot classification to masterful vinification techniques. The wines from Domain de Chevalier continue to be the most beautiful benchmarks in the region of Bordeaux year after year.

The Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is an emblematic wine from the estate. It is distinguished by its exceptional aromatic complexity. The ultra-fragrant bouquet combines the fruity character of Cabernet Sauvignon and the smokiness from the gravel, which is typical of the appellation. The palate is enveloped in a beautifully structured, silky mouthfeel with well-integrated tannins. All of this helps reveal the brilliant, mellow fruit. The Domaine de Chevalier Rouge will express all of its splendour through blossoming over the years while keeping its balance and fruit freshness.

The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has a style that is unique among the best Pessac-Leognan wines, and is recognized as one of the world's finest dry white wines. With class and refinement, the whites have an intensely expressive aromatic bouquet that reveal delicate white fruit notes along with elegant floral notes. The bouquet then evolves into smoky notes, which recalls the minerality of the terroir. The mouthfeel is ample and generous with a smooth texture. There is also a great aromatic concentration, as well as a richness that does not take away any freshness or crunchiness of the fruit. The finish has a breathtakingly persistent length that offers minerality and purity.

“Red currants, red cherries and a splash of white pepper, paprika and stones. Juicy and composed, with elegant red berries and soft, silky tannins. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Shows some nice length. Lovely early appeal. Drink now or hold.” - 93 Points, James Suckling

“The 2021 L’Esprit de Chevalier has a harmonious and pure bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberry, mint and light graphite scents, that oyster shell tincture noted from barrel emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and fine depth, but maybe it just pulls up a little short on the finish. Nonetheless, this is still a very commendable Deuxième Vin.” - 90 Points, Vinous

“The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc aged for 14 months in barrels, reveals a toasty, spicy bouquet with aromas of sweet berries, nuts, nicely integrated oak and smoke. Medium-bodied, juicy and well-balanced, it’s layered with structured tannins, a fleshy core of fruit and a fresh, vibrant finish.” - 90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Producer: Domaine de Chevalier

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Pessac-Léognan

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml