2025 Domaine de Chevalier L’Esprit de Chevalier Blanc

EN PREMIEUR - EXPECTED EARLY 2028 - Impressive second wine from Domaine de Chevalier, with tension, texture, and striking precision.

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. Tucked away in a wooded area near Léognan, the château has been producing wines for generations that are known for their elegance, refinement, and terroir expression. Since the takeover by the Bernard family in 1983, Olivier Bernard has further developed the estate into an international benchmark. L'Esprit de Chevalier was introduced in 1989 as a second wine and offers a younger, more accessible face of the estate, without compromising the style and precision of the Grand Vin. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc comes from Pessac-Léognan, on the same gravelly sandy soils with an underlying layer of clay and gravel as the Grand Vin. These terroirs provide tension, aromatic precision, and freshness, even in warmer years. The winter of 2025 ensured excellent water reserves in the soil, followed by a mild and dry spring without frost. From mid-June, warm and dry summer weather persisted, with temperatures well above 30°C. Thanks to the deep roots of older vines, the quality of the grapes was excellently preserved. Refreshing rain at the end of August brought extra balance and helped the grapes retain their freshness. The ripening period was early, warm, and light, with strong temperature differences between day and night. This resulted in a wine with ripe fruit, but at the same time remarkably tense and aromatic precision.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The blend of L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc 2025 consists of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. Sauvignon Blanc brings tension, citrus, and aromatic refinement, while Sémillon adds more volume, texture, and subtle spiciness. As with the Grand Vin, the grapes are harvested entirely by hand in small crates. Picking is carried out in three to five passes to ensure that only perfectly ripe bunches are selected. Although L'Esprit comes from younger vines and cuvées with slightly less concentration than the Grand Vin, the focus remains entirely on finesse and elegance.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest of the white grapes took place between August 28 and September 6. Only perfectly ripe grapes were selected, always in the cool of the morning to preserve maximum freshness. After traditional cold settling, fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. Subsequently, the wine ages in barrels for approximately nine months, creating extra texture and depth without loss of freshness. Vinification follows the same philosophy as the Grand Vin. Precision, purity, and terroir expression are central, with a style that is slightly more accessible but clearly bears the signature of Domaine de Chevalier.

Color, smell and taste

The 2025 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc opens expressively and remarkably refined for a second wine. On the nose, notes of green apple, kiwi, and ripe pear, complemented by citrus zest, orange peel, and subtle floral nuances of hawthorn and elderflower. Beneath this, light stony notes and a subtle spiciness provide additional depth.

On the palate, the wine combines freshness with surprising volume. The texture is broad and layered, while a clear line of acidity provides tension and energy. The Sémillon adds extra weight and a subtle umami character towards the finish.

What stands out is the balance between richness and precision. Despite the concentration, the wine remains lively and precise, with notes of citrus, white fruit, and mineral tension that come together beautifully. The finish is refined, slightly peppery, and subtly saline, with more length than you would expect from a second wine.

Development and drinking window

The 2025 L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc is particularly attractive and accessible even when young, but at the same time possesses surprisingly good aging potential.

According to Neal Martin, the optimal drinking window lies between 2027 and 2038. In the first years, the emphasis is on freshness and expressive fruit, after which added complexity and greater gastronomic depth will emerge.

Summary of professional reviews

95-96 points – James Suckling: praises the combination of power, layering, and striking length, with citrus, apple, pineapple, and mineral tension. 91-93 points – Neal Martin, Vinous: calls the wine impressive for a second wine, with green apple, kiwi, pear, and a fine texture, supported by fresh acidity and a peppery finish. 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.