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

Bettane & Desseauve

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:

The raspberry and notes of fresh red berries hint at 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

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.

Vinous

About the wine:

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

James Suckling

About the wine:

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.