L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Lighter—and inevitably a bit leaner—than the grand vin, but with great clarity and precision in its cedar aromas and the fruit’s minerality. Here we find the rigor of a true Léognan, but without the tedium.

About the estate:

This is a property cherished 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 knows the value of his product most intimately, thanks to daily tastings with the estate’s countless visitors—the estate having 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 white “Esprit-de-Chevalier,” 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.

Decanter

About the wine:

On the nose, aromas of dark chocolate and mint, with a hint of blackcurrant. I appreciate its immediate freshness on the palate, its harmonious texture, and its fine tannins that delicately support the fruit, allowing it to express itself fully. A pleasant creaminess rounds out this wine. A truly magnificent wine—smooth, delicate, and nuanced. Beautifully fresh and very enjoyable to drink, fruity and lively. Easy to drink, well-crafted, and well-structured. A fine demonstration of winemaking expertise. 2022–2033

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 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.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Made from the estate’s young vines, this second wine from Domaine de Chevalier is aged in barrels for 14 months. It features spicy notes and is bursting with black fruit and acidity. This promising wine should be ready to drink as early as 2025.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aroma of plums and fresh flowers, particularly roses, with hints of stems and parsley. A full-bodied wine with round, silky tannins; medium-bodied but with a long, caressing finish, offering lovely tension on the palate. Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Best enjoyed after 2025.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Supple, silky, refined, fresh, and smooth, it exudes a magnificent sense of pure red fruit on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, elegant, silky, and expressive, it leaves a lingering finish with notes of ripe, sweet cherries. Perfect for enjoying soon, while you wait for the Grand Vin to reach its full potential. Best enjoyed between 2022 and 2031.