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Pessac-Léognan

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Pessac-Léognan
Pessac Léognan, a unique wine

The appellation d'origine contrôlée Pessac-Léognan is an appellation of the Bordeaux vineyards. The AOC Pessac-Léognan was created in September 1987 in the ancient Graves region of Bordeaux. Pessac-Léognan is undoubtedly the precise starting point for winegrowing in Bordeaux, some 2,000 years ago. As early as Roman times, man realized that this terroir, which concentrates all the Crus Classés of the Graves region, was particularly well-suited to vine-growing. The cultivated area quickly grew to 1,600 hectares, with annual production of almost 70,000 hectolitres. Among the most famous Pessac-Léognan estates is Château Haut-Brion, the only premier cru classé de 1855 outside the Médoc. Other outstanding estates include Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château Pape Clément, Domaine de Chevalier, Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion and Château Haut-Bailly.

Hand-picked grape varieties

AOC Péssac Léognan is one of the few appellations to include a large number of grape varieties. Growing on the left bank of the Garonne, these varieties have similar flavors despite their different genomes. 

There are currently nine main grape varieties used to make the Pessac Léognan vintage:
  • Cabernet Franc ;
  • Cabernet-Sauvignon ;
  • Côt ;
  • Malbec ;
  • Merlot ;
  • Muscadelle ;
  • Petit Verdot ;
  • Sauvignon ;
  • Sémillon.
Hand-picked, the grapes are then fermented in the age-old vats of Château coucheroy pessac Léognan AOC. Respectful of tradition, the winemakers repeat gestures codified by others centuries ago. 
A wine with great ageing potential

Despite the passage of time, this ritual has lost none of its effectiveness. Pessac Léognan red wines retain all their tannins for 7 to 20 years. For certain Pessac Léognan vintages, the ageing potential is much higher. 

As for white wines, the experts at Château coucheroy Pessac Léognan AOC recommend keeping them for a maximum of 2 to 5 years. Of course, certain cuvées can be aged with greater delicacy. In fact, they can be kept for 10 to 15 years. 

Pessac Léognan wine, instantly recognizable

The soils of Pessac-Léognan wines are composed of a particularly thick layer of water-rolled gravel and pebbles known as "graves". This layer rests on a substrate of sand, alios and clay in varying proportions. The vines occupy vast clearings surrounded by pine trees, ideally protecting them from humidity-laden westerly winds. The AOC produces red Pessac-Léognan wines mainly from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They are cherry-colored with black tints. The nose expresses notes of ripe red fruit and violets, supported by a smoky bouquet of grilled almonds and resin. These are rich, elegant, noble, well-structured wines that can be enjoyed young, but also show great aptitude for ageing. Dry white wines from the Pessac-Léognan appellation are generally pale straw-yellow, often the result of ageing in oak barrels. Their fragrance is marked by Sauvignon, the appellation's dominant grape variety, which brings freshness and fruitiness, allied or not to Sémillon, which brings the fatness of its unique candied fruit aromas. The white wines of Pessac-Léognan are complex, fleshy, round and sweet, yet very dry.

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Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5Wine rated 4.3/5

4.3/5 (6 reviews)

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

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94/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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93-94/100 Terre de Vins

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93.5/100 Le Figaro

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93/100 Decanter

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93/100 Vert de Vin

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92-94/100 RVF

freshness
grand cru classé
best seller
class

"Impressively fleshy, round, velvety, yet balanced ~ Le Figaro"

"Dark purple color with violet highlights and a black core. Very elegant nose of ripe dark berries, plums and cherries, with hints of oriental spices and discreet smoky notes in the background. The palate is well structured with ripe tannins, plenty of freshness and great depth of flavor. A wonderful wine with excellent length. (Markus Del Monego 2021) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Le Comte de Malartic Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Second vin

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (4 reviews)

93-94/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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91/100 Decanter

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90/100 Vinous

merlot
crunchy
second wine
guaranteed fun

"A delicate and charming wine to drink now and over the next few years ~ Vinous "

"La Réserve de Malartic 2019 is a delicate, charming wine to drink now and over the next few years. Succulent notes of red cherry, spice, dried leaves, tobacco, blood orange and incense give the 2019 a lovely complexity that matches its medium-bodied personality." (Vinous 2022) - This Second wine formerly known as "La Réserve de Malartic" is not unlike the style of its elder sibling!

Château Malartic-Lagravière Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

96/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Wine Enthusiast

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96/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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96/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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95/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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94.5/100 Le Figaro

complex
purity
long-keeping wine
grand cru classé

"The Bonnie family has done wonders, producing today one of the best wines in the appellation!"

"Very complex aromas of dark berries, mushrooms, earth, flowers and incense. But also notes of crushed stone. Full-bodied, with very fine, refined tannins that are caressing and beautiful. The finish is very, very long and persistent, with subtle, complex flavors. It will be a great beauty with age." (James Suckling 2021) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan blanc 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

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94/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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93/100 James Suckling

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93/100 Decanter

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93/100 Terre de Vins

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1*Étoile Hachette

voltage
long-keeping wine
grand cru classé

"A high quality white that lasts ~ La RVF "

"Oily texture but a gorgeous juicy core with bright acidity and notes of ripe green apple, creamy peach and slightly bitter orange and grilled lemon on the finish. The acidity is excellent and really supports the wine. Well-built, with plenty of nuance, interest and cellaring potential." (Decanter 2023)

Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2016 - Grand Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (52 reviews)

95/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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95/100 Le Figaro

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95/100 Wine Enthusiast

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94/100 RVF

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93-94/100 Vert de Vin

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93/100 James Suckling

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93/100 Decanter

freshness
juicy
grand cru classé
safe bet

"Elegant and balanced, the potential is undeniable! ~ B&D "

"A nose of great elegance, overflowing with fruit, floral and mineral aromas, a delicious palate with fine grain, round tannins, great fruit and lots of freshness. All elegance and balance, but the potential is undeniable". (Bettane & Desseauve) - What a success for this Pessac-Léognan blue chip, rewarded with a host of awards! Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan rouge 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (2 reviews)

94-95/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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94/100 Wine Enthusiast

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93/100 Vinous

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93/100 Yves Beck

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93/100 Vert de Vin

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1*Étoile Hachette

velouté
mad charm
grand cru classé
best seller

"Another impressive vintage from this STAR estate!"

"Carbonnieux 2021 is an absolute delight. It offers an exotic blend of black fruits, espresso, licorice, cloves, leather and lavender. Deep, savory and very expressive, 2021 has so much to do, so much to offer. Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, which is reflected in the overall structure and aroma typicity of this wine." (Vinous 2023) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

L'Esprit de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Second vin

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

95/100 James Suckling

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93/100 Le Figaro

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92/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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92/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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91-93/100 Falstaff

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91/100 Vinous

velouté
black fruits
second wine
safe bet

"Typical of the appellation with succulent fruit, discreet spices and subtle oak!"

"L'Esprit de Chevalier 2020 has a highly perfumed floral bouquet, with pressed iris and peony mingling with blackberry and blueberry. The style is classic and well mastered. The palate is medium-bodied, with concentrated black fruits, enhanced by white pepper and a touch of Provence herbs. Light viscosity, power and a generous finish. This is a superb 'Second Vin' that should give drinking pleasure for 12-15 years." (Vinous 2022)

Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan blanc 2022 - Grand Cru Classé

95/100 Terre de Vins

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93-94/100 James Suckling

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92-94/100 RVF

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93/100 Decanter

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93/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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91-93/100 Robert Parker

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1*Étoile Hachette

vivid
gracious
grand cru classé
best seller

"A classy white wine made to age gracefully! ~ Wine Advocate "

"Elegance prevails for this wine with aromas of frangipane, lemon pear and lemon verbena. On the palate, delicacy rests on subtle balance and complexity: you'll appreciate the acidic thread of lemon through to the saline finish, with lime and a hint of minerality. All grace. (Terre de Vins 2023) - Wooden case delivery available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan blanc 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

100/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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98/100 James Suckling

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97/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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96/100 Vinous

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96/100 Yves Beck

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96/100 Wine Enthusiast

harmonious
grand cru classé
exceptional wine

"One look, one sip, and you're won over. This gem rivals many of the world's great wines!"

"Lovers of Bordeaux Blanc should pounce on this jewel. One look, one sip, and you're won over. I don't know where to begin. Complete in every way, the wine starts with a nose that explodes with orange peel, honeysuckle, lemon puree, flowers, green apples, spices and herbs. Striking as it may seem, it's the incredible purity of the relentless waves of citrus and yellow tropical fruit that seal the deal. From there, all that's left is a seamless, electric finish that, once started, just won't stop. This gem rivals many of the world's great wines, and sells for a fraction of their price. It's the best white wine ever produced by the Bernard family at Domaine de Chevalier. Don't miss it" (Jeff Leve 2024) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - 1er Grand Cru Classé

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

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100/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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100/100 Falstaff

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99/100 Robert Parker

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99/100 Yves Beck

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99/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

rich
grand cru classé
collectors' wine

"Called a LORD and a LEGEND in the making!"

"Haut-Brion's 2020 (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc) more than lives up to its high standards. Draped in a dark but brilliant color, it reveals a nose of rare complexity: cappuccino, faded rose, pepper, menthol notes, perfectly ripened black fruit, a touch of smoke... From the first taste, it displays its solid presence, without reserve, with strength and aplomb, but without any aggressiveness, carried by tannins that are at once firm, precise and refined, with the bonus of an immense finish full of mineral freshness, with stony tones. A lord. (Guide Hachette 2023) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

97/100 Robert Parker

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97/100 James Suckling

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97/100 Decanter

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97/100 Vinous

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96-97/100 Terre de Vins

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96-97/100 Vert de Vin

captivating
grand cru classé
large class

"A Masterclass in what a contemporary Bordeaux has to offer. Magnificent!"

"Domaine de Chevalier 2019 is a magical wine in the making, emanating aromas of wild plum, crushed blackcurrant and violet from the glass mingled with notes of pencil shavings, subtle spice and coniferous forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a vibrant core of fruit, beautifully refined tannins and lively acids, it's deliciously elegant and harmonious, finishing with a long, perfumed finish [...] This is a masterclass of what contemporary Bordeaux has to offer, and well worth making a special effort to find." (Wine Advocate 2022) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Château de Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

95/100 Yves Beck

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95/100 Vert de Vin

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95/100 Wine Enthusiast

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93/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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94/100 Decanter

-

93/100 Vinous

character
grand cru classé
great success

"Fieuzal belongs to the big league in Pessac-Léognan ~ Yves Beck "

"The 2019 Château de Fieuzal presents a complex nose, a blend of red and black fruits, crushed stone and a touch of black truffle. Serious. The palate is beautifully balanced with firm, quite "solid" tannins, a Pessac-Léognan built for the long haul with a sapid, almost saline finish. This is the best Fieuzal of recent years". (Vinous 2023) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan blanc 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (2 reviews)

2*Étoiles Hachette

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94/100 James Suckling

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94/100 Wine Enthusiast

-

94/100 Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

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93/100 Decanter

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93/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

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93/100 Terre de Vins

mineral
racy
grand cru classé
best seller

"It remains one of the best whites you can buy in Bordeaux! ~ Decanter

"Beautiful quality, with a slight acidity on the attack. Seems to have moved away from the slightly reductive style of Château Olivier whites of recent years (perhaps I'm in the minority who miss this), bringing out fleshy flavors of citrus and lemongrass, accompanied by notes of spice and freshly cut herbs. It remains one of the best whites you can buy in Bordeaux". (Decanter 2021) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Château Latour-Martillac Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

94/100 James Suckling

-

94/100 Vinous

-

94/100 Yves Beck

-

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

-

94/100 The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

-

93-94/100 Terre de Vins

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93.5/100 Le Figaro

elegant
expressive
grand cru classé

"This could be the best vintage ever! ~ Jeff Leve

"In view of the precision and definition displayed by this wine, one cannot help but notice this drive to get to the bottom of things and this ability to approach the 2020 vintage with obvious reflection. The wine is elegant, expressive and invigorating. With supportive, pertinent tannins, it underlines its excellent level and its ability to position itself at the forefront of the scene. What energy and sapidity! (Yves Beck 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Le Petit Smith Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Second vin

Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5Wine rated 4.5/5

4.5/5 (2 reviews)

94/100 James Suckling

-

94/100 Decanter

-

94/100 Vinous

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93/100 Jean-Marc Quarin

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93/100 Wine Enthusiast

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92-93/100 Vert de Vin

vivid
racy
second wine
treasure

"Representative of the vintage and terroir, it's delicious!"

"The 2019 Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is fabulous. Rich, powerful and vibrant, it packs a real punch. Readers will find it hard to tear themselves away from this little gem. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, mocha and dried herbs develop as this effusive, generous wine reveals its racy, seductive personality. I loved this wine. (Vinous 2022) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).