Domaine de Chevalier 2017

The aromatic purity of a fine Pessac-Léognan white wine

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 Domaine de Chevalier vineyard is composed of black sand and fine white gravel soil and rests on a perfectly drained clay-gravel subsoil.

The vintage

At the end of April 2017, the frosts that hit the Bordeaux vineyards did not spare Domaine de Chevalier. Flowering was early, from the 15th to the 22nd of May, before a particularly hot and sunny month of June. The mild weather conditions during the summer months helped preserve the freshness that is an integral part of this fine white wine’s signature style.

The 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 of which are new), followed by regular stirring of the lees.

The blend

The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier dry white wine comprises a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Semillon (30%).

The tasting

Colour

Crystal-clear, with a beautiful pale gold colour and green highlights.

Nose

Complex and pure, this wine exudes intense fruity (vine peach, apricot, mango), floral (white flowers, acacia, elderberry, hawthorn, honeysuckle) and spicy fragrances (cinnamon, vanilla). The bouquet is sustained by delicious mineral notes of gunflint.

Palate

A perfect balance between amplitude, complexity and finesse, the palate reveals aromas of white fruits and spices. The palate is seductive due to its freshness and balance, leading to a persistent and delicious finish.