Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan blanc 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

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 the pinnacle of their class; the estate richly deserves a 5-star rating.

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 family-owned estate in Léognan is legendary for its white wine. It is a ripe wine with spicy oak notes. Its youthful acidity brings out a tangy quality that will soften and develop into a wine with great aging potential. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.

The 2021 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a dense and powerful dry white wine. Wine lovers will need to be patient, as the 2021 will take some time to reach its peak. Right now, the wine’s intense texture and a touch of oak take center stage. The 2021 is a high-quality white wine with great character. I can’t wait to see how it ages. 2029–2051

A serious nose, with great depth and complexity. Subtle oak spices, chalk, meringue, lanolin, and a hint of praline and pistachio against notes of lemon, red currant, and minerality. Extremely harmonious, with a deliciously salty touch on the mid-palate. Medium-bodied, with a lingering yet elegant and subtle finish that lasts nearly a minute. 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. Already a pleasure to taste and drink, but it will age well for at least the next 15 years. Drink now or celller.

Depth and subtlety are evident from the very first whiffs of the bouquet, with notes of mirabelle plums, peaches, and verbena. The oak is certainly noticeable, but it serves primarily as a supporting element, so it is not overpowering. Dense and briny, the wine is savory and persistent. It owes this persistence to a subtle bitterness that lengthens its finish and, together with the acidity, ensures its aging potential. An elegant and harmonious wine. Drink now through 2041

Fans of white Bordeaux should snap up this gem. One glance, one sip, and you’ll be won over. I don’t know where to begin. Perfect in every way, the wine opens with a nose that bursts with orange zest, honeysuckle, lemon purée, flowers, green apples, spices, and herbs. As striking as that may seem, it’s the incredible purity of the relentless waves of citrus and yellow tropical fruits that seals the deal. From there, all that remains is an electric, flawless finish that, once it begins, refuses to let up. This gem rivals many of the world’s great wines, yet it sells for a fraction of their price. The wine is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon. It is the finest white wine ever produced by the Bernard family at Domaine de Chevalier. Don’t miss it! 2024–2050

Bright yellow with green highlights. A very aromatic nose with freshness and aromatic depth, featuring fragrant fruit, grape zest, fresh mandarin, peach, and notes of apricot, with subtle tropical fruit in the background. The aromatic herbs are savory, with a burst of basil and mint. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and structured, displaying great precision, elegance, and depth, with lively acidity, rich fruit, excellent length, and great freshness. A great wine.