L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This is a highly regarded estate, boasting 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 region, 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 of the Knight, which is the perfect reflection of a great wine. The 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages, both red and white, are simply at the pinnacle; the estate richly deserves to be awarded a 5-star rating.

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.

Vinous

About the wine:

L'Esprit de Chevalier 2020 offers a highly fragrant floral bouquet, with notes of fresh iris and peony blending with blackberry and blueberry. The style is classic and well-crafted. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with concentrated black fruit, accented by white pepper and a hint of herbes de Provence. It has a light viscosity, power, and a generous finish. This is a superb "second wine" that should be enjoyable for 12 to 15 years. 2022–2029

James Suckling

About the wine:

The aromas of graphite and blackcurrant are truly impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, yet very velvety with a refined texture. Lots of lovely fruit. Typical of the appellation. The second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Best enjoyed after 2028.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

A clean, refreshing nose, as if breathing in the crisp mountain air on a beautiful spring day—sunny yet cool. Mineral on the palate, with concentrated fruit, both smooth and crystalline. 2027–2040

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Black cherry, smoke, toasted nuts, flowers, and red berries dominate the bouquet. With a clean, smooth, silky, and refined attack, featuring notes of cocoa, spices, and licorice that complement the sweet, ripe red fruits on the palate, this wine is already very enjoyable and should be perfect for drinking in the short term while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 2023–2032.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and an almost black core. An elegant nose of ripe wild strawberries, blackberries, and subtle notes of vanilla and toast in the background. On the palate, great freshness and good balance with ripe tannins and fine acidity, succulent fruit, subtle spices, and a delicate oakiness, with a compelling finish.

Falstaff

About the wine:

Deep ruby color with violet highlights and an ochre rim. Fresh forest berries, a hint of ripe cherry, and notes of fresh mandarin zest. Medium-bodied with a texture of red berries, fine tannins, good freshness, and a salty minerality on the finish—a light, food-friendly wine.