L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac Leognan 2023
Country: France Region: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2023 Category: Red Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Domaine de Chevalier
Description:
Domaine de Chevalier is one of the leading estates of Pessac-Léognan and was acquired by the Bernard family in 1983. Since then, the estate has grown from approximately 20 to 67 hectares, with the surrounding forests largely preserved. The style is characterized by balance, precision, and a combination of depth and elegance. In recent years, the focus has been strongly on organic and biodynamic practices, with attention to soil health and natural balance.
92/100 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
"The 2023 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and iris flower scents, gaining intensity as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, cohesive and focused, with a harmonious blackberry and cedar finish. Just a classy second wine from Olivier Bernard."
91/100 Points - Jeff Leve
"Flowers, tobacco, and red fruits are all over the place in the perfume. The palate already shows off its refined, soft, silky, red berries, with the perfect hint of cocoa in the nose medium-bodied palate. The finish is soft, elegant, and poised. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026-2036."
"An excellent second wine with verve and ripe red fruit. The tannins are a bit tight and the length not as impressive as the grand vin, but this should make a good short-term red before you crack open the first wine."
Tasting Notes:
The wine has a deep, dark colour with a compact core. On the nose, notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and mulberry emerge, complemented by violets, herbs, and a light touch of graphite and cedar. As the wine opens in the glass, more layers develop with subtle earthy and spicy nuances.
On the palate, the wine displays a medium to full structure with a core of ripe dark fruit. The tannins are velvety and well-integrated, resulting in a smooth mouthfeel without sacrificing precision. The acidity provides tension and keeps the whole lively. The finish is broad and persistent, with a combination of fruit, spiciness, and a light salinity that adds extra depth. The wine develops visibly in the glass and gains complexity as it is aerated.
Food Matches: Beef Fillet, Lamb, Chicken
