Domaine de Chevalier 2017 - Grand Cru Classé de Graves

The nose is exceptionally refined, with fruit that is ripe but not overripe, subtle oak, and perfectly balanced spicy and floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with a savory structure, body, and superb liveliness on the finish. It has an endless finish and will age incredibly well. A wine of great depth.

This is a property held in high esteem by all, featuring a superb, contiguous vineyard surrounding the château—one of the best-cultivated in the Bordeaux region. Olivier Bernard is a tireless ambassador for Bordeaux wines around the world. He is also one of those who understands the value of his product most intimately, thanks to daily tastings with the estate’s countless visitors—the estate has been a pioneer in welcoming the public. The whites are the most refined in the appellation, while the reds are paragons of Bordeaux classicism in their balance and flavor. The latest reds are particularly impressive for their added body and complexity. Beautiful nuances, tension, and energy define the “esprit-de-chevalier” white, which perfectly embodies the essence of a great wine. The 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages—both reds and whites—are simply at their peak; the estate richly deserves a 5-star rating.

Initially closed on the nose, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon) opens up to reveal aromas of ripe pear, delicious golden apples, and white peach, with hints of straw, honeysuckle, and chalk. Medium-bodied, the palate is seriously intense and elegant, with plenty of mineral sparkle on the finish. It was aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 35% of which were new.

Since 1983, the Bernard family has spared no effort to keep this beautiful estate among the appellation’s top producers. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and a vineyard that has now reached the age necessary to produce exceptional grapes, the wines are impeccable—both white and red. The vineyard, located in one of the appellation’s cooler areas on the edge of the Landes Forest, is tended like a garden. The white grapes are sorted with extreme care, and the winemaking process has become considerably more sophisticated—without altering the style or class of this highly regarded wine. Chevalier embodies finesse and elegance, without compromising its aging potential.

This wine is full-bodied, with concentrated spice notes and rich white fruit and kiwi flavors. It has significant acidity, giving the wine impressive fruitiness and aging potential, as suggested by its texture and woody notes. Best enjoyed at peak maturity in 2022.

A refined, crisp, fresh, and juicy wine with citrus notes and exceptional length.