Domaine de Chevalier 2021

Fresh and balanced, a fine wine from Pessac-Léognan

The estate

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the magnificent Domaine de Chevalier tops the list of the greatest Cru Classés of Bordeaux. This iconic estate of the Pessac-Léognan appellation is located in a verdant setting to the south of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier reigns over a rare vineyard that comprises 60 hectares of red vines, currently converting to organic farming practices. The vines are 35 years old on average and are planted on a gravelly soil with clayey-gravelly subsoil, giving rise to fine Pessac-Léognan wines.

The vintage

Marked by 7 episodes of frost between April 3rd and May 3rd, which had an impact on the vineyard, 2021 was also marked by heavy rainfall from May to June, leading to a significant mildew pressure in July, particularly on the Merlot grapes. The very mild conditions in September and October were ideal for refining the ripening process until the harvest. The grapes harvested showcased a high quality, notably regarding their powerful expression, aromatic intensity and their freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

Following manual harvesting in small crates, during which the grapes are sorted on the vine, they are sorted a second time on a table with optical sorting. Then, the grapes are placed into thermo-regulated vats by gravity, where they undergo alcoholic fermentation. Manual punching of the cap is carried out. Vatting lasts around 3 weeks at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees in steel, steel-aluminium, truncated concrete and wooden vats. Lastly, the wine is fermented in vats before being aged in 35% new barrels for 18 months, 4 months of which are spent on the lees.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (80%)
Merlot (10%)
Petit Verdot (5%)
Cabernet Franc (5%).

Domaine de Chevalier 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

Tasting

Colour
This wine showcases a shining, deep and dark garnet colour.

Nose
The nose is very pure, with refreshing blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry and morello cherry aromas and notes of peppermint, cedar and heather.

Palate
Smooth and fresh, the palate is seduced by this wine’s density and silky tannins. This vintage beautifully expresses the character of each grape variety. The finesse and fruity intensity of the Merlot grapes is combined with the elegance of the Cabernet Franc varietal, the fruity and spicy liveliness of the Petit Verdot and the freshness and ageing potential of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. The finish is persistent and reveals delicious notes of graphite and liquorice.