Domaine de Chevalier 2016

A fine Pessac-Léognan white wine with a pure and refined aromatic expression

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is one of the finest Crus Classés in Bordeaux. Like a secret garden, this iconic vineyard located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, to the south of Bordeaux, is surrounded by a green haven.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier watches over a rare vineyard comprising 6 hectares of vines destined for the production of white wine. A true patchwork of terroirs, the vineyard produces fine Pessac-Léognan wines and is composed of black sand and fine white gravel soil and rests on a perfectly drained clay-gravel subsoil.

The vintage

The year 2016 was marked by a heavily moist period from the 1st of January to the 20th of June, during which the flowering recorded between the 4th and the 11th of June suggested a quality harvest. This was followed by particularly dry weather conditions from the 1st of July to the 13th of September, when a few rainy spells boosted the development of the vineyard. The Indian summer which stretched from the 15th of September to the end of October was ideal in helping to refine the ripeness of the grapes. The combination of all these conditions gives richness, power, finesse and elegance to this fine vintage.

Vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo successive selections based on their level of ripeness. Fermentation in barrels as well as ageing for 18 months (1/3 new oak), followed by regular stirring of the lees.

The blend

Sauvignon Blanc (70%)

Semillon (30%).

Domaine de Chevalier 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Crystal clear, the colour is a beautiful pale gold.

Nose

Lively and generous, the nose freshly blends intense fragrances of grapefruit, orange, peach and mango with subtle balsamic (pine) and mineral (quartz, flint) notes.

Palate

This wine is seductive due to its richness, sustained by a nice fruity acidity. The smooth aromatic palette of white fruits is the perfect expression of the grape’s full ripeness. The palate reveals a delicate feel, great purity and an elegant structure.

Storage

Refined, rich and perfectly balanced, this dry white wine by Domaine de Chevalier 2016 can be cellared until 2036 in order to reveal all its aromatic nuances