2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THE WINE

Produced in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, L’Esprit de Chevalier reflects the character of Domaine de Chevalier’s historic vineyard while offering earlier accessibility than the flagship wine. The 2022 vintage is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by smaller portions of Bordeaux varieties, creating a balance of structure, aromatic richness, and finesse.

The estate’s vineyards sit on deep gravel soils over clay and limestone, a classic foundation for producing complex, age-worthy Bordeaux. Careful vineyard management, sustainable practices, and meticulous selection in the cellar ensure that only high-quality fruit is used. Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified parcel by parcel, with aging in French oak barrels to develop texture and complexity while preserving purity of fruit.

The exceptional warmth and concentration of the 2022 vintage bring generous layers of cassis, blackberry, red currant, tobacco leaf, cocoa, smoky earth, and warm spice. Despite its richness, the wine maintains the signature freshness and precision of Pessac-Léognan, with fine-grained tannins and a graceful structure. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar over the next decade. Excellent pairings include roasted lamb, grilled steak, duck breast, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and classic French cuisine.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Domaine de Chevalier, located in Léognan, is one of the most respected estates of Bordeaux’s Graves region and holds the prestigious Grand Cru Classé de Graves classification. With origins dating back centuries, the property has built its reputation on wines that emphasize elegance, balance, and a strong connection to terroir rather than sheer power.

Since 1983, the estate has been owned by the Bernard family, with Olivier Bernard leading a period of remarkable refinement and modernization while preserving the domaine’s traditional identity. Surrounded by forest, the vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate that moderates temperature extremes and contributes to the freshness and aromatic complexity of the wines.

Domaine de Chevalier follows a philosophy of precision viticulture, careful selection, and minimal intervention, allowing its exceptional gravel soils to define the wines. Today, it remains a benchmark producer of Pessac-Léognan, admired for crafting Bordeaux with purity, longevity, and understated sophistication.