2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc Grand Cru Classé de Graves

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT VALID UNTIL 31/12/2026 - DELIVERY SPRING 2028

Domaine de Chevalier Winery

Domaine de Chevalier belongs to the absolute elite of Pessac-Léognan and is one of the most respected Grand Cru Classé de Graves estates in Bordeaux. The château is nestled in a wooded area near Léognan and has a history dating back to the eighteenth century. Since the takeover by the Bernard family in 1983, Olivier Bernard has further developed the estate into a benchmark for both red and white wines. The white wine, in particular, is internationally regarded as one of the greatest dry white Bordeaux, thanks to its combination of finesse, precision, and impressive aging potential. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Domaine de Chevalier is located in Léognan, in the heart of Pessac-Léognan. The vineyards are surrounded by forest, creating a unique microclimate. In winter, the estate remains relatively cool, while the gravelly soils reflect and retain heat in summer. The combination of Günz gravel, black sandy soils, and iron-rich clay ensures both ripeness and tension. The 2025 vintage benefited from a mild and dry spring without frost, followed by a warm and sunny summer. Winter rains had effectively replenished water reserves in the soil, ensuring that old vines retained sufficient access to moisture during the dry summer. A few refreshing showers in late August proved crucial and helped the grapes retain their freshness. The large temperature differences between day and night during ripening provided extra aromatic precision and tension.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2025 blend consists of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. Sauvignon Blanc is planted in the cooler parts of the estate and brings freshness, tension, and aromatic precision, while Sémillon provides texture, depth, and extra length. The white vineyards cover approximately 7 hectares and are cultivated organically and biodynamically. Cover crops, adjusted drainage, and high canopy walls help to optimally regulate the microclimate and keep the grapes healthy. The harvest is performed entirely by hand in small crates, picking in three to five passes to select only perfectly ripe grapes.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest of the white grapes took place between August 25 and September 6. Only fully ripe, golden bunches were picked in the cool of the morning, with great attention to freshness and aromatic precision.

After a long, gentle pressing, a traditional cold settling follows, after which fermentation takes place in French oak barrels using natural yeasts. The wine then ages for 16 to 18 months in barriques, approximately one-third of which are new wood. This relatively modest use of new wood supports the texture without overpowering the precision of the fruit.

The combination of careful selection, long aging, and controlled oak influence results in a wine that feels both powerful and remarkably refined.

Color, smell and taste

The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc opens expressively and layered, with aromas of pear, white peach, and mirabelle plum, complemented by citrus zest, mandarin peel, and white flowers. As the wine opens up, subtle notes of mint, chalk, and wet stone emerge, along with a slight reductive tension that adds extra complexity.

On the palate, medium to full-bodied, with an impressive combination of richness and precision. The texture is broad and concentrated, yet remains crystalline and almost ethereal. Ripe white fruit is supported by a clear line of acidity that gives the wine energy and focus.

What is particularly impressive is the tension between concentration and refinement. Despite the intensity, the wine remains lean and precise, with a strikingly linear structure. The finish is long, mineral, and refinedly saline, with citrus, floral notes, and subtle spiciness lingering for minutes.

This is without a doubt one of the most complete and precise white Bordeaux of the vintage.

Development and drinking window

The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has exceptional aging potential and will develop beautifully over the coming decades. In the first few years, the wine already displays great tension and aromatic precision, but additional bottle aging will provide greater depth, tertiary aromas, and further integration. Drinking windows range from approximately 2035 to 2075. Antonio Galloni even calls it his candidate for white wine of the vintage, while the combination of freshness, structure, and intensity points, according to several critics, to an extraordinarily long lifespan.

Summary of professional reviews

98-99 points – James Suckling: praises the tension, precision, and immense length, with a tight, almost steel structure and impressive balance. 97-99 points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous: calls this his white wine of the vintage and speaks of a stunning combination of richness, tension, and energy. 93-95 points – Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate: emphasizes the crystalline precision, aromatic depth, and ethereal finesse of this exceptionally precise white Bordeaux. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.