L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2018 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This is a highly regarded estate, 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 knows the value of his product most intimately, thanks to daily tastings with the estate’s countless visitors—a pioneer in welcoming the public. The whites are the most distinguished in the appellation, while the reds are models of Bordeaux classicism in their balance and flavor. The latest reds are very impressive for their added body and complexity. Beautiful nuances, tension, and energy define the white Spirit-de-Chevalier, which is the perfect reflection of a great wine. The 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages, both red and white, are simply at the top of their game; the estate richly deserves a 5-star rating.

Decanter

About the wine:

A solid second wine with real punch and fresh fruit, rich in extract, and featuring firm, high-quality tannins. The austerity slightly overshadows the fruit, but it’s a good wine well worth trying. 2022–2031

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

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 maturity needed 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 their vinification 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.

Wine Spectator

About the wine:

It is brimming with notes of plum paste, cherry reduction, blackberry, and melted licorice, complemented by hints of blood and iron on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Best enjoyed from 2022 to 2032.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

As the second wine of Domaine de Chevalier, it showcases the full richness of the vintage, with robust tannins and a promising future. Aromas of blackberry and stone fruit hint at great potential, as the dryness softens, contributing to a richly structured and complex wine. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Ranked among the top 12 standout wines of the 2018 vintage! This is an extremely polished and refined young wine with superb notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, licorice, dark chocolate, and bark. It is full-bodied with tannins that remain as fine as ever and a long, intense finish. A fantastic second wine from Domaine de Chevalier. Best enjoyed after 2026.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity and offers subtle complexity, elegance, and a certain depth. This wine benefits from being decanted. It features notes of blackberry, violet, and, more subtly, crushed blackcurrant, combined with delicate hints of black cherry and crushed redcurrant, as well as hints of chocolate, toast, and a very subtle touch of cedar. The palate is fruity, balanced, and slightly tight, offering a juicy, tangy structure, good definition, richness, and a juicy, fresh, and subtly tart fruit profile. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/tart blackcurrant, black cherry, and, more subtly, blueberry, combined with hints of fresh raspberry, fresh redcurrant, as well as subtle hints of fresh blueberry, very subtle hints of toasted almond (in the background), and a subtle hint of fresh licorice. The tannins are well-integrated. Good length.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Dark red berries, cigar box, herbs, forest leaves, and redcurrants create a striking bouquet. On the palate, the wine is smooth, silky, polished, and refined, leaving a juicy aftertaste of fruit, dark cocoa, herbs, and espresso beans. This wine is perfect for drinking now while you wait for the Grand Vin to mature.