2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc Pessac-Léognan

Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2020 |
Grape | , |
Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (13%) |
Drink window | 2025 - 2050 |
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Description
The Domaine de Chevalier 2018 Blanc, a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, offers a wonderful perfume of ripe pears, grapefruit, mandarin peel and lemongrass, lime blossom and beeswax. The medium to full-bodied palate has an enticing opulence, delivering layers of citrus, pear and floral-inspired flavors with a satiny texture and seamless freshness, long ending with a spicy kick. It currently makes for a complex, decadently delicious wine, but bottle it for 4-5 years to get even more savory/roasty layers and drink it for the next 10-12 years or even longer. The 2018 is one of the most beautiful vintages of this white topper.
95/100 Parker
98/100James Suckling
Specifications
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | Domaine de Chevalier |
Grape | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2020 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2050 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 95 |
James Suckling rating | 97 |
Vinous rating | 95 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Strak, Vol, Wit fruit |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Professional Reviews
Parker
Rating
95
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2025 - 2045
Reviewed by
William Kelley
Issue Date
6th Apr 2023
Source
April 2023 Week 1, The Wine Advocate
Another terrific vintage for this wine, the 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc unwinds in the glass with aromas of nectarine, pear, nutmeg, passionflower and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with racy acids and a bright, pure profile, it nips at the heels of the brilliant and somewhat racier, more refined 2019.
This 67-hectare estate in Pessac-Léognan is at the top of its game today, and the 2019 vintage is a striking success. When the Bernard family purchased Domaine de Chevalier in 1983, the vineyards amounted to only 20 hectares; expansion followed in the woodlands (much of which remain) that occupy this site, on the same stony gravel and black sand over iron-rich clay that defines the estate's historic vineyards. It's a cold site in winter, surrounded by trees, but warm in summer, as the stones reflect heat and the black sands absorb it. Farming is now organic and biodynamic, with experiments with cover crops, unhedged canopies and drainage to improve more humid parcels. Sauvignon Blanc is planted in the estate's coolest sites, Cabernet Sauvignon on its warmest, and everything else is planted in between. Since 1983, Domaine de Chevalier has naturally evolved; as new plantings came online, the wines lost some of the intensity-without-weight that had always been their signature. In the early 2000s, a concerted effort was made to attain fuller maturity and more concentration, and the wines became a little chunkier and more obviously oaky, too, but recent years have seen a return to seamless elegance, without any loss of depth or persistence. In many respects, indeed, the last few vintages of Domaine de Chevalier bear a closer stylistic kinship to the great wines produced at this address in the 1970s and before than they do to the vintages of the early 2000s. Olivier Bernard and his team, in short, are to be congratulated for ushering in a new golden age at an estate that produces one of Bordeaux's most singular and characterful wines.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
95
Drinking Window
2026 - 2050
From: Bordeaux 2020: Saving the Best for Last (Feb 2023)
The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc marries power and tension so well. Lemon confit marzipan, chamomile, dried orchard fruit and crushed flowers all build effortlessly into the expansive, beautifully resonant finish. Above all else, the Blanc is a wine of savory/mineral complexity and structure. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Tasted two times.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2022
(94-96)
Drinking Window
2030 - 2050
From: 2020 Bordeaux En Primeur: Almost Back to Normal (Jun 2021)
The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is fabulous. Bright and airy in the glass, the 2020 bristles with energy. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper all pulse with tons of vibrancy. This finely-cut, chiseled white is going to need a number of years to be at its best, but it is so impressive and so full of potential. Bright saline notes punctuate the dazzling finish. Time in the glass brings out the wine's texture and layers. The Blanc is one of the world's great wines, hands down.
- By Antonio Galloni on May 2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Domaine de Chevalier is located in a clearing in the middle of a forest that protects the vines from extreme temperatures. In fact, Chevalier is a kind of secret garden. The estate is located in Graves, the oldest wine region in Bordeaux. According to this winery, balance is the most essential for a good wine. Balance between the spirit that pervades the estate and the people who work there year after year who are able to further improve their already considerable skills. The philosophy of Domaine de Chevalier is that only a great terroir can produce a good wine.
History
Chevalier's history is an integral part of his identity. The real birth of the estate dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Until recently, the forest took up most of the western part of Graves where the estate is located. Archives from the 17th century show that the small Domaine de Chivaley included houses, outbuildings, gardens, grounds, vineyards, forests and meadows. The name "Chivaley" (meaning "knight" at the time) and is believed to have been traced to the presence of the very old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela which still borders the estate.
One of the things that makes Chevalier unique is how it gained fame in a relatively short time. This is of course due to the terroir but presumably also because over the years Domaine de Chevalier was managed by only a limited number of owners, who all considered it essential to keep the tradition of quality.
Only 3 men have managed Domaine de Chevalier from when it was bought by Arnaud and Jean Ricard in 1865 until it was bought by the Bernard family in 1983. Jean Ricard is considered the real creator of Chevalier. However, his son-in-law, Gabriel Beaumartin, who spent 40 years in service, was responsible for crystallizing Jean's reputation.
Claude Ricard has run the estate for 35 years. Claude was highly respected and had encyclopedic knowledge of wine growing. Under his leadership, the estate was included in the elite grands crus in the 1953 Graves classification. It is also thanks to Claude Ricard that the castle has acquired a truly international dimension.
In 1983, Domaine de Chevalier was bought by the Bernard family and Olivier Bernard was appointed manager to continue the work of the past 120 years and take a long-term approach. This was to be based on preserving the family tradition and continuing to produce an excellent and famous wine steeped in history. In accordance with this mission, major investments have been made in the vineyard and the cellar. Significant expansion was carried out and all aspects of winegrowing were reviewed.
Method
Chevalier is all about quality and balance. The search for quality is a permanent priority. The way the grapes are picked illustrates the winemaking team's quest for perfection. The crop is monitored very carefully from 3 to 4 weeks before the estimated harvest date. The juice is analyzed regularly and the sugar levels are determined. The grapes are also tasted because when all is said and done, this is the only way to judge the quality of the juice. Tasting the grapes is especially important for red wine grapes, as physiological and phenolic ripeness are not necessarily reached at the same time. Through repeated taste tests and laboratory analyzes, the winegrowers can determine the picking order of the grapes in each plot according to the specific characteristics of the harvest year.
Order Domaine de Chevalier wines online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Domaine de Chevalier wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!
The Domaine de Chevalier 2018 Blanc, a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, offers a wonderful perfume of ripe pears, grapefruit, mandarin peel and lemongrass, lime blossom and beeswax. The medium to full-bodied palate has an enticing opulence, delivering layers of citrus, pear and floral-inspired flavors with a satiny texture and seamless freshness, long ending with a spicy kick. It currently makes for a complex, decadently delicious wine, but bottle it for 4-5 years to get even more savory/roasty layers and drink it for the next 10-12 years or even longer. The 2018 is one of the most beautiful vintages of this white topper.
95/100 Parker
98/100James Suckling
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan |
Winery | Domaine de Chevalier |
Grape | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2020 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2050 |
Alcohol % | 13 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.75 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 95 |
James Suckling rating | 97 |
Vinous rating | 95 |
Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Mineraal, Strak, Vol, Wit fruit |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe |
Parker
Rating
95
Release Price
NA
Drink Date
2025 - 2045
Reviewed by
William Kelley
Issue Date
6th Apr 2023
Source
April 2023 Week 1, The Wine Advocate
Another terrific vintage for this wine, the 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc unwinds in the glass with aromas of nectarine, pear, nutmeg, passionflower and hazelnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with racy acids and a bright, pure profile, it nips at the heels of the brilliant and somewhat racier, more refined 2019.
This 67-hectare estate in Pessac-Léognan is at the top of its game today, and the 2019 vintage is a striking success. When the Bernard family purchased Domaine de Chevalier in 1983, the vineyards amounted to only 20 hectares; expansion followed in the woodlands (much of which remain) that occupy this site, on the same stony gravel and black sand over iron-rich clay that defines the estate's historic vineyards. It's a cold site in winter, surrounded by trees, but warm in summer, as the stones reflect heat and the black sands absorb it. Farming is now organic and biodynamic, with experiments with cover crops, unhedged canopies and drainage to improve more humid parcels. Sauvignon Blanc is planted in the estate's coolest sites, Cabernet Sauvignon on its warmest, and everything else is planted in between. Since 1983, Domaine de Chevalier has naturally evolved; as new plantings came online, the wines lost some of the intensity-without-weight that had always been their signature. In the early 2000s, a concerted effort was made to attain fuller maturity and more concentration, and the wines became a little chunkier and more obviously oaky, too, but recent years have seen a return to seamless elegance, without any loss of depth or persistence. In many respects, indeed, the last few vintages of Domaine de Chevalier bear a closer stylistic kinship to the great wines produced at this address in the 1970s and before than they do to the vintages of the early 2000s. Olivier Bernard and his team, in short, are to be congratulated for ushering in a new golden age at an estate that produces one of Bordeaux's most singular and characterful wines.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
95
Drinking Window
2026 - 2050
From: Bordeaux 2020: Saving the Best for Last (Feb 2023)
The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc marries power and tension so well. Lemon confit marzipan, chamomile, dried orchard fruit and crushed flowers all build effortlessly into the expansive, beautifully resonant finish. Above all else, the Blanc is a wine of savory/mineral complexity and structure. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Tasted two times.
- By Antonio Galloni on December 2022
(94-96)
Drinking Window
2030 - 2050
From: 2020 Bordeaux En Primeur: Almost Back to Normal (Jun 2021)
The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is fabulous. Bright and airy in the glass, the 2020 bristles with energy. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, mint and white pepper all pulse with tons of vibrancy. This finely-cut, chiseled white is going to need a number of years to be at its best, but it is so impressive and so full of potential. Bright saline notes punctuate the dazzling finish. Time in the glass brings out the wine's texture and layers. The Blanc is one of the world's great wines, hands down.
- By Antonio Galloni on May 2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Domaine de Chevalier is located in a clearing in the middle of a forest that protects the vines from extreme temperatures. In fact, Chevalier is a kind of secret garden. The estate is located in Graves, the oldest wine region in Bordeaux. According to this winery, balance is the most essential for a good wine. Balance between the spirit that pervades the estate and the people who work there year after year who are able to further improve their already considerable skills. The philosophy of Domaine de Chevalier is that only a great terroir can produce a good wine.
History
Chevalier's history is an integral part of his identity. The real birth of the estate dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Until recently, the forest took up most of the western part of Graves where the estate is located. Archives from the 17th century show that the small Domaine de Chivaley included houses, outbuildings, gardens, grounds, vineyards, forests and meadows. The name "Chivaley" (meaning "knight" at the time) and is believed to have been traced to the presence of the very old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela which still borders the estate.
One of the things that makes Chevalier unique is how it gained fame in a relatively short time. This is of course due to the terroir but presumably also because over the years Domaine de Chevalier was managed by only a limited number of owners, who all considered it essential to keep the tradition of quality.
Only 3 men have managed Domaine de Chevalier from when it was bought by Arnaud and Jean Ricard in 1865 until it was bought by the Bernard family in 1983. Jean Ricard is considered the real creator of Chevalier. However, his son-in-law, Gabriel Beaumartin, who spent 40 years in service, was responsible for crystallizing Jean's reputation.
Claude Ricard has run the estate for 35 years. Claude was highly respected and had encyclopedic knowledge of wine growing. Under his leadership, the estate was included in the elite grands crus in the 1953 Graves classification. It is also thanks to Claude Ricard that the castle has acquired a truly international dimension.
In 1983, Domaine de Chevalier was bought by the Bernard family and Olivier Bernard was appointed manager to continue the work of the past 120 years and take a long-term approach. This was to be based on preserving the family tradition and continuing to produce an excellent and famous wine steeped in history. In accordance with this mission, major investments have been made in the vineyard and the cellar. Significant expansion was carried out and all aspects of winegrowing were reviewed.
Method
Chevalier is all about quality and balance. The search for quality is a permanent priority. The way the grapes are picked illustrates the winemaking team's quest for perfection. The crop is monitored very carefully from 3 to 4 weeks before the estimated harvest date. The juice is analyzed regularly and the sugar levels are determined. The grapes are also tasted because when all is said and done, this is the only way to judge the quality of the juice. Tasting the grapes is especially important for red wine grapes, as physiological and phenolic ripeness are not necessarily reached at the same time. Through repeated taste tests and laboratory analyzes, the winegrowers can determine the picking order of the grapes in each plot according to the specific characteristics of the harvest year.
Order Domaine de Chevalier wines online at Grand Cru wines
You can of course buy Domaine de Chevalier wines online at Grandcruwijnen.nl, the wine trade with one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium, where you can order both special wines and wines for every budget. Quality products, fast delivery & reliable service that is Grand Crus!