Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2025 - Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

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.

The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier was harvested from September 11 to 26, with a yield of 38 hl/ha and an alcohol content of 12.5%. The nose is fragrant, with notes of raspberry, blackcurrant, and subtle hints of iris, along with a hint of truffle in the background. You’ll need to be patient, as this wine “opens up” in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy tannins. Very harmonious, typically Pessac, with aromas of black fruit over notes of gravel, an almost velvety texture, but a thoroughly respectable structure with just the right amount of bite on the finish. It will require less bottle aging than, say, the 2020 or the 2022, but it possesses genuine complexity and a distinct classicism. It is Domaine de Chevalier, after all. 2030–2060

The fruit's richness comes through fully, with medium body and a profusion of aromas of berries, chocolate, nuts, and citrus peel. Smooth and refined, it offers a beautiful texture and a long, almost endless finish. Smooth and precise. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot.

With excellent intensity, the bouquet of the 2025 Domaine de Chevalier stands out for its complexity and its ability to bridge the gap between notes of ripe fruit and floral nuances, while a hint of aging subtly lingers in the background. The velvety character of the attack sets the stage for a linear, seamless progression. The tannins unfold gradually, reaching the peak of their power on the finish. They provide exceptional structure and anchor the finish, complemented by acidity that is both structuring and refreshing. A full-bodied and expressive wine driven by incisive and luminous characteristics. 2030–2060