L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2025 - Second vin (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.

The raspberry and notes of fresh red berries suggest a miniature version of the Grand Vin: we find those powerful tannins, accompanied by notes of red berries with lively aromas, as well as a pleasant juiciness on the mid-palate. The wine is flavorful, with notes of damp earth after the rain. Medium-length finish. 2029–2035

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.

L'Esprit de Chevalier 2025 has a harmonious, well-defined, and very precise nose, with slightly earthy red fruit aromas that become more lively with aeration. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with grainy tannins; well-balanced, with a fairly savory style, and a note of black olive that comes to the fore on the finish. This second wine is an excellent choice, offering remarkable value for the price. 2029–2042

A beautiful red wine with aromas of red berries, fresh herbs, and tomato leaves. Medium-bodied, with lively acidity and fine tannins. Hints of chocolate. Only 12.5% alcohol.