News from Domaine de Chevalier

ESPRIT de CHEVALIER Blanc 2013, Wine rating by The Wine Gang *

ESPRIT de CHEVALIER Blanc 2013
Wine rating by The Wine Gang *

90

Domaine de Chevalier Esprit de Chevalier Blanc 2013
Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, Dry White (Cork), 13.0% abv

Made from equal parts of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon by one of Bordeaux' best exponents of the Pessac-Léognan style, this second wine from Domaine de Chevalier is sumptuously aromatic and fruity showing a lively grapefuity zestiness and a deliciously nutty oak-derived dry finish that twists around and teasingly snaps and bites at your tongue.

Goes with: ChickenFish and seafood Salads and vegetable dishes Smoked fish

http://thewinegang.com/

* :  Joanna Simon, Jane Parkinson, Anthony Rose, Tom Cannavan, David Williams 

Domaine de Chevalier 2013, tasted by James SUCKLING: "phenomenal white" (98), "excellent" red (93)

Two years after En Primeur tasting, James Suckling has tasted the 2013 vintage now available.

February 10th, 2016:

DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER BLANC 2013  PESSAC-LÉOGNAN TASTING NOTE
Score 98
This is a phenomenal white with super density and energy. Full body, yet incredibly agile and intense. Fabulous character of salt, mineral and shells. Hints of tannin too. Dried white peach. Pear and apple. Super subtle character. 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon. Great wine. A wine for the future but so great now.

DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER ROUGE 2013 PESSAC-LÉOGNAN TASTING NOTE
Score 93
This is excellent. Blueberry, black currant and stone aromas and flavors. Medium body, lovely density, fine tannins and a bright finish. A triumph for the vintage. Drink or hold.

 

All the notes (400 bordeaux wines tasted) on JamesSuckling.com

Domaine de Chevalier recent whites, James Suckling's blog

MINI-VERTICAL OF DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER'S RECENT FIVE WHITES

October 2nd, 2015

"Domaine de Chevalier, a jewel nestled deep in the pine trees of Bordeaux's Pessac-Léognan, has a long history of producing age-worthy reds and whites. Both show incredible depth of fruit and unique character from the stony soil of the vineyards that span across 45 hectares in Graves. 

Many of the reds from the 1950s and 1960s are still excellent now, and its recent vintages seem to hark back to the halcyon days of great winemaking from this estate. In fact, the past eight or nine years could be the best vintages ever from here, says James. Its humble red from the  2013 vintage reminds James of their wines from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s – vintages that could compete with the classic Graves such as Haut-Brion or La Mission Haut-Brion.

Its 2012 red, for instance, shows outstanding aging potential and its latest2014 vintage is already balanced and fine when James tasted it from barrel this year.

But what truly made this winery a world-class estate and a fixture on most wine aficionados’ and collectors’ list is invariably its whites. A blend of semilion and sauvignon blanc, the wines often fetch lofty prices at auctions along with top names such as Haut Brion Blanc and La Mission Haut Brion Blanc. And it ages incredibly well.

Its 2010 blanc is a near perfect wine that shows amazing density and character. One would imagine its 2011 vintage would be hard to compete with the previous year, especiall given the difficult growing season in Bordeaux, its 2011 blanc, however, turns out to be phenomenal quality and is one of the top Bordeaux 2014 releases rated by James. In fact, the success of the vintage for the wine illustrates how great 2011 is for dry white Bordeaux as James wrote earlier, calling it “a year to buy white wines from Bordeaux”. The wine is on pour at our Great Wines of the World event in Hong Kong on November 5 at Four Seasons Hotel. This is your chance to taste the pinnacle of Bordeaux white, get your ticket here. 

One thing that impresses James about the chateau's whites is their complexity that is often seen in reds, but rarely in whites. Its 2012 blanc reminds James of the complex character found in a Pessac-Léognan red, and its 2013 blanc has more weight than the reds made in 2013, says James. Its latest 2014 blanc is another stellar wine, dense and mascular with layers of fruit as James comments in the tasting note.

The Bernard family, who purchased the winery in 1983, have everything to do with the sucess of the chateau and with the stellar whites and reds vintage after vintage, they are one of the best winemakers in Bordeaux right now. Below are five whites from 2010 to 2014, ranked by score; click on the names for notes and scores. Natalie Wang, managing editor JamesSuckling.com"

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2014 :  A solid and muscular Domaine de Chevalier with layers of fruit. Very dense, loads of flavor. Full body, bright acidity and a long, long finish. Tangy acidity. It lasts for minutes. 95-96 (March 27th, 2015)

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2013 : This white is so dense and powerful, with a finish that lasts for minutes. Pear, lemon, grapefruit and loads of minerals. Has more weight than all the red wines made in 2013. Full body. Profound depth. I look forward to tasting this from bottle in a few years. 97-98 (April 4th, 2014)

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2012 : This is very tender and pretty with very fine elements. Dried lemons, minerals and lilac as well as character of oyster shell and iodine. Full body, yet refined and long. You normally see this sort complex character in reds from Pessac-Leognan. Fascinating young white. 95 (November 14th, 2013)

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2011 : Amazing nose of dried fruits from peaches to apples to mangos. Pink grapefruit too. Full and very powerful white with an incredible length and intensity. It's like a beautiful block of velvet in your mouth. It goes on for minutes. It becomes so mineraly and subtly fruity at the end. Turns just to honey. Wow 97-98 (April 1st, 2012)

Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2010 : A white with a phenomenal density and richness with creme brulee, apple pie and pear tart character. It's so agile and balanced. Full body, with tangy fruit and a long finish. Crazy intensity and style to this. Speechless. Best dry white from here. Try in 2018. 99  (November 14th, 2013)

Domaine de Chevalier 2013, rated by Robert Parker: White 93-95 + ; Red 90-92

"Once again, it proves that Domaine de Chevalier often accomplishes impressive things in so-called “off" vintages"

Robert PARKER , The Wine Advocate, Août 2014

 

 

 

• DOMAINE de CHEVALIER ROUGE Primeur 2013

    90-92

Made from an unusual blend for this great estate, the 2013 Domaine de Chevalier is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot (no Petit Verdot), and the total production was less than half of normal. The wine achieved 13% natural alcohol, but yields were frightfully low. The result is an outstanding effort in this frequently disappointing, average quality vintage. The wine possesses a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet bouquet of incense, charcoal, red and black currants, and loamy soil. Medium-bodied with good texture, depth and purity, sweet tannins, and present but unobtrusive acidity, it should drink nicely for 12-15 years.
Once again, it proves that Domaine de Chevalier often accomplishes impressive things in so-called “off” vintages.

• DOMAINE de CHEVALIER BLANC Primeur 2013

    93-95+

A strikingly rich, complex wine, the 2013 Domaine de Chevalier is a spectacular blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon that achieved 13% natural alcohol.
It offers lots of lemon oil, orange blossom, crushed rock and white flower-like characteristics. It is super-intense and medium to full-bodied with a level of concentration rarely seen.
Nevertheless, the tart acids, freshness and beautiful winemaking have resulted in a stunningly balanced, pure wine.
It has 30-50 years of longevity ahead of it, although most of it will be drunk during its first decade of life.

A visit of Izak Litwar: the 2013 and some old, great bottles ...

On his blog, our friend Izak LITWAR comments on 2013: wines of Domaine de Chevalier, but also the three wines of Clos des Lunes and those of Château Lespault-Martillac.

On the same evening at a family dinner, we sipped some beautiful bottles ...

Read the blog of Izak : An exhaustive overview of the 2013 vintage and his visits to many properties.

Domaine de Chevalier

 

Astonishing evening on Sunday the 6th April. In addition to little vertical tasting of white Domaine de Chevalier, I tasted other wines from Olivier Bernard. Then dinner with some fantastic wines from vintages ending with 4.

 

Wines tasted - fruity and easygoing 2013 Lespault Martillac red (85p), aromatic 2013 Lespault Martillac white with very good acidity and length (88p), 2013 Domaine de Chevalier red which was aromatic with silky fruit and tannin, fine smoothness on the palate and meaty finish (91-92p), three versions of 2013 Clos des Lunes, fruity and attractive Lunes Blanche (87p), more intense and longer Lunes d'Argent (88p) and fatter, more deep and more concentrated Lunes d'Or (90p).

 

Then four vintages of white Domaine de Chevalier - classy, stylish, rich and refined 2013 (94-95p), lighter 2012 but still with classy elegance and finesse (94p), stunning 2011 with fabulous intensity, complexity and length, sophisticated touch, great richness and length (96p) and even better 2010 which was extremely sophisticated, with fabulous acidity and depth, and long caressing aftertaste (97p).

 

For dinner I had white D.d.Chevalier 1964, 1984 and 2004. 1964 was interesting old wine, sherry flavors, well-balanced (89p), 1984 was refined with finesse, great complexity and great balance (93p) while 2004 was slightly oxidized. Then a blast from the past, 1924 Lafite, which had incredible nose of truffles, truffy palate too, riveting elegance and remarkable complexity as well. Amazing wine. 95p. 1974 Latour followed, but it was past its peak with almost all fruit gone and acidity all over in this wine. 84p. Next wine in line was 1934 Ausone, mature fruit, silky, very delicate and tasty, yet in fine balance but acidity is well-pronounced. Impressive old wine. 92p. 1954 Leoville Poyferre was clearly marked by age, extracted coffee beans, good balance. 87p. 1964   Haut Brion showed nice intensity and concentration, polished style, nice balance and finish. 91p. 1964 Petrus tasted like bottle kept under pristine conditions - youthful dark color, almost black ink, powerful, extraordinary complexity, structure, depth and length. Unquestionably the best wine of the dinner. Heavenly stuff. 99p. We finished dinner with a curious 19 century bottle of Yquem, which probably was from vintage between 1891 and 1893.

 

 

Olivier Bernard explains - " You know, 2013 vintage was very difficult and needed a lot of work in the vineyard and cellar (left), we succeeded anyway to make a really good red and beautiful white despite difficult circumstances (middle), so I hope you will enjoy my wine in both colors (right)."

 

 

 

Showstopper!

 

 

  

 

 

1924 Lafite, 1974 Latour and 1934 Ausone - April 2014

 

 

 

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc Primeur 2013 - Revue de Presse

Revue de Presse – Press Review

Domaine de Chevalier Primeur Blanc 2013

 

Wine Spectator Domaine de Chevalier White 2013 Score: 92–95 This marries high-pitched thyme, chamomile and quinine notes with richer white peach, shortbread and meringue flavors. The long finish pulls everything together. Should be a beauty when finished. —J.M. Wine Enthiousiast-Roger Voss Domaine de Chevalier 2013 white Blend 93–95. Barrel Sample. Here’s a wine that shows swathes of warm fruits, with a rich structure that is cut by great acidity.  — R.V.  (4/2/2014) Jane Anson Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2013 Lovely nose, combination of sweet citrus and clean minerality. Good deft shot of acidity, great zing of minerality, very good indeed. The blend here is 80% sauvignon blanc, 20% semillon. 92-93. Highly recommended. Drink 2016-2028.   - Antonio GALLONI   (94-97) pts 2013 Domaine De Chevalier Blanc The 2013 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is fabulous. White flowers, spices, mint, grapefruit and lemon peel all meld together in a distinctive wine bursting with personality. The flavors are bright and high-toned, while aging on the lees with a little bit of stirring adds texture. Intense, saline notes support the striking, crystalline finish. The 2013 seemed to get better with each tasting. This is a stunning wine by any measure. The blend is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. Tasted three times. Wine Tasted: April 2014.Antonio Galloni,.© 2013 Vinous Media   Neal Martin 2013 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (93-95) The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a blend 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. It has a potent bouquet with apple blossom and granite scents that are not as immediate as previous vintages but only nicely in the glass after 5 minutes aeration. The palate is a little spicy on the entry. It is a beautifully balanced white Domaine de Chevalier with a fine line of acidity. Perversely the bottle at the Château was reticent, but subsequent examples suggested dewy green apples, peach and citrus peel notes combining with devastating effect on the finish.   Jeannie CHO LEE – ASIAN PALATE 2013  DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER – BLANC 93 Wonderful concentration and vibrancy in this vintage. Precision and depth here with intense apricot and pomelo fruit with a finish of fresh herbs. 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The second sample tasted blind was lean and quite reserved on the nose; much less expressive than the bottle tasted at the chateau. The palate offers a creamy mid palate with citrus and ripe stone fruits. A balanced wine that is drinking well now even in its youth. Ready to drink : 2016+

DECANTER – Steven Spurrier 2013 Domaine de Chevalier  17.75/20pts (92/100pts) Fine lemon yellow, white summer flowers and fruits on the nose, a dry citrus and honey palate, lift and length for a good future. Drink: 2016-2025   James SUCKLING Domaine de Chevalier White Score 97-98 This white is so dense and powerful, with a finish that lasts for minutes. Pear, lemon, grapefruit and loads of minerals. Has more weight than all the red wines made in 2013. Full body. Profound depth. I look forward to tasting this from bottle in a few years. Bettane - Desseauve Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013 [92/100] Arôme complexe, légèrement musqué, ensemble très racé, long, salin, intense, parfaite expression du millésime et de la propriété.   BERRY BROS  & Rudd Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013  16.5 Generally the dry whites are very charming and easy in 2013, again for early drinking. As with all top vintages, those which excelled, managed to harness and retain beautiful refreshing lift and Domaine de Chevalier have done this with aplomb. Notably higher in Sauvignon Blanc than usual, stylistically this has more punch and intensity on the palate, a broad richness providing charming texture, punchy, exotic, citrus fruits and precise, substantial power on a very long finish. Different to the great 2007 but a beautiful powerhouse that everyone should consider for their cellars, superb. Jake Dean - Fine Wine Sales Director Farr Vintners Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013  One of the truly great names of dry White Bordeaux. Chevalier Blanc has a loyal following and is a wine with an amazing ability to age despite being attractive in its youth. 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon. Pale straw colour, with a fresh zesty nose of grapefruit, citrus and ginger. The palate is complex with mineral and flinty notes rivalling exotic peach and melon fruit, bolts of lime cordial, and underlying wood spice. The razor-sharp acidity gives the wine purity, focus and finesse. The finish is long, precise and fine. Score : 17.5 René GABRIEL   Mittleres Gelb, lindengrüne Nuancen darin, leuchtend. Das delikateste, vielschichtigste Bouquet von allen degustierten Weissweinen dieser Appellation, zarte Minztöne, weisse Nektarinen, klare, saubere Fruchtansätze vermittelnd. Sublimer, schon fast zart anmutender Gaumen, herrliche Limettentöne im fein gewobenen Extrakt, elegantes Finale. Zeigt eine royale Extra-Klasse und ist allen überlegen. 19/20

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc Primeur 2013 - Press Review

Revue de Presse – Press Review

Domaine de Chevalier Primeur Blanc 2013

 

Wine Spectator Domaine de Chevalier White 2013 Score: 92–95 This marries high-pitched thyme, chamomile and quinine notes with richer white peach, shortbread and meringue flavors. The long finish pulls everything together. Should be a beauty when finished. —J.M. Wine Enthiousiast-Roger Voss Domaine de Chevalier 2013 white Blend 93–95. Barrel Sample. Here’s a wine that shows swathes of warm fruits, with a rich structure that is cut by great acidity.  — R.V.  (4/2/2014) Jane Anson Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2013 Lovely nose, combination of sweet citrus and clean minerality. Good deft shot of acidity, great zing of minerality, very good indeed. The blend here is 80% sauvignon blanc, 20% semillon. 92-93. Highly recommended. Drink 2016-2028.   - Antonio GALLONI   (94-97) pts 2013 Domaine De Chevalier Blanc The 2013 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is fabulous. White flowers, spices, mint, grapefruit and lemon peel all meld together in a distinctive wine bursting with personality. The flavors are bright and high-toned, while aging on the lees with a little bit of stirring adds texture. Intense, saline notes support the striking, crystalline finish. The 2013 seemed to get better with each tasting. This is a stunning wine by any measure. The blend is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. Tasted three times. Wine Tasted: April 2014.Antonio Galloni,.© 2013 Vinous Media   Neal Martin 2013 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (93-95) The Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a blend 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. It has a potent bouquet with apple blossom and granite scents that are not as immediate as previous vintages but only nicely in the glass after 5 minutes aeration. The palate is a little spicy on the entry. It is a beautifully balanced white Domaine de Chevalier with a fine line of acidity. Perversely the bottle at the Château was reticent, but subsequent examples suggested dewy green apples, peach and citrus peel notes combining with devastating effect on the finish.   Jeannie CHO LEE – ASIAN PALATE 2013  DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER – BLANC 93 Wonderful concentration and vibrancy in this vintage. Precision and depth here with intense apricot and pomelo fruit with a finish of fresh herbs. 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. The second sample tasted blind was lean and quite reserved on the nose; much less expressive than the bottle tasted at the chateau. The palate offers a creamy mid palate with citrus and ripe stone fruits. A balanced wine that is drinking well now even in its youth. Ready to drink : 2016+

DECANTER – Steven Spurrier 2013 Domaine de Chevalier  17.75/20pts (92/100pts) Fine lemon yellow, white summer flowers and fruits on the nose, a dry citrus and honey palate, lift and length for a good future. Drink: 2016-2025   James SUCKLING Domaine de Chevalier White Score 97-98 This white is so dense and powerful, with a finish that lasts for minutes. Pear, lemon, grapefruit and loads of minerals. Has more weight than all the red wines made in 2013. Full body. Profound depth. I look forward to tasting this from bottle in a few years. Bettane - Desseauve Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013 [92/100] Arôme complexe, légèrement musqué, ensemble très racé, long, salin, intense, parfaite expression du millésime et de la propriété.   BERRY BROS  & Rudd Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013  16.5 Generally the dry whites are very charming and easy in 2013, again for early drinking. As with all top vintages, those which excelled, managed to harness and retain beautiful refreshing lift and Domaine de Chevalier have done this with aplomb. Notably higher in Sauvignon Blanc than usual, stylistically this has more punch and intensity on the palate, a broad richness providing charming texture, punchy, exotic, citrus fruits and precise, substantial power on a very long finish. Different to the great 2007 but a beautiful powerhouse that everyone should consider for their cellars, superb. Jake Dean - Fine Wine Sales Director Farr Vintners Domaine de Chevalier, blanc 2013  One of the truly great names of dry White Bordeaux. Chevalier Blanc has a loyal following and is a wine with an amazing ability to age despite being attractive in its youth. 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon. Pale straw colour, with a fresh zesty nose of grapefruit, citrus and ginger. The palate is complex with mineral and flinty notes rivalling exotic peach and melon fruit, bolts of lime cordial, and underlying wood spice. The razor-sharp acidity gives the wine purity, focus and finesse. The finish is long, precise and fine. Score : 17.5 René GABRIEL   Mittleres Gelb, lindengrüne Nuancen darin, leuchtend. Das delikateste, vielschichtigste Bouquet von allen degustierten Weissweinen dieser Appellation, zarte Minztöne, weisse Nektarinen, klare, saubere Fruchtansätze vermittelnd. Sublimer, schon fast zart anmutender Gaumen, herrliche Limettentöne im fein gewobenen Extrakt, elegantes Finale. Zeigt eine royale Extra-Klasse und ist allen überlegen. 19/20

Domaine de Chevalier Primeur Rouge 2013 - Press Review

Ban des Vendanges 2013 at Domaine de Chevalier, by JB Nadeau

Pleased to be back on 14th September 2013 and to relive this magic event (organised with the Commanderie du Bontemps and Crus Classés de Graves), thanks to those pictures by Jean-Bernard Nadeau. 
You can see again the photos of Equivox, or Jean-Pierre Lamarque and the video (Nicolas Seurot) or on Facebook.

Ban des Vendanges 2013 I Domaine de Chevalier I Pessac-Léognan from Jean-Bernard Nadeau-Photographe on Vimeo.

Short Movie: the Ban des Vendanges, seen from the sky

Find there the warm atmosphere of a beautiful birthday (30 years at Domaine de Chevalier celebrated on the eve of the harvest...

Our thanks to the videographer, Nicolas Seurot!