Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 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 their peak; 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 estate, owned by the Bernard family, has produced a ripe and elegant wine. It reveals lovely aromas of dark fruit and firm tannins that will ensure excellent aging potential. An impressive wine for its vintage. Best enjoyed starting in 2027.

This wine is very impressive for its vintage, with a deep, vertical structure and extremely silky tannins. Full-bodied and precise, it reveals aromas of red fruit, dark chocolate, bark, iodine, and nuts. An exceptional wine. It will reach its peak after 2027.

Such depth right from the first glance, with an incredibly intense ink-black color. Notes of a well-ripened Cabernet, which makes up 90% of the blend. Concentrated, with remarkable breadth. It’s smooth and balanced, yet retains a generous character. Very ripe, very rich.

Domaine de Chevalier reveals itself with evident serenity and confidence. It does not seek flashiness; rather, it focuses on diversity, complexity, and finesse. I detect earthy, root-like nuances along with notes of red berries and eucalyptus. The tannins stay true to the direction set by the bouquet, conveying a sense of quiet strength. Admittedly, one might expect a bit more finesse on the finish, but at the same time, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that power and density aren’t exactly commonplace in the 2021 vintage. And this is precisely where Domaine de Chevalier excels. Sooner or later, it will come into its own… and the vintage is well known for its ability to age over decades. A compact wine with refreshing energy and a lingering finish. I think there will be reason to adjust the rating later on… upward, of course! Now – 2046

A deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. A very well-structured wine with great depth and a lovely, long finish. The nose reveals aromas of dark stone fruits, blackberries, and subtle notes of elderberry. An elegant minerality and delicate spices are present in the background. On the palate, it is fairly full-bodied, with firm yet ripe tannins, juicy fruit, a subtle hint of spice, and a very impressive finish.