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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This is a property that is admired by all, boasting a superb vineyard in a single block surrounding the château, one of the best cultivated in the Bordeaux region. Olivier Bernard is a tireless ambassador for Bordeaux wines around the world. He is also one of those who knows the value of their product most intimately, thanks to daily tastings with the countless visitors to the estate, a pioneer in welcoming the public. The whites are the most distinguished in the commune, the reds are models of Bordeaux classicism in their proportions and flavor. The latest reds are very impressive for their extra body and complexity. Beautiful nuances, tension, and energy for the white esprit-de-chevalier, which is the perfect reflection of a great wine. The 2016, 2017, and 2018 reds and whites are simply at their peak, and the estate richly deserves its 5-star rating.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Since 1983, the Bernard family has been doing everything possible to keep this beautiful estate at the forefront of the appellation. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and a vineyard that has now reached the age necessary to produce great grapes, the wines are impeccable, both white and red. The vineyard, located in one of the coolest areas of the appellation, on the edge of the Landes forest, is maintained like a garden. The white grapes are sorted with extreme care and their vinification has become considerably more sophisticated, without altering the style or class of this highly reputed wine. Chevalier embodies finesse and elegance, without compromising its aging potential.

Vinous

About wine:

L'Esprit de Chevalier 2020 has a very fragrant floral bouquet, with pressed iris and peony mingling with blackberry and blueberry. The style is classic and well-controlled. The palate is medium-bodied, with concentrated black fruits, complemented by white pepper and a touch of Provençal herbs. Light viscosity, power, and a generous finish. This is a superb "second wine" that should be enjoyable for 12 to 15 years. 2022-2029

James Suckling

About wine:

The aromas of graphite and blackcurrant are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with a fine texture. Lots of lovely fruit. Typical of the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Best enjoyed after 2028.

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

A pure and refreshing nose, as if breathing in the fresh mountain air on a beautiful spring day, sunny but cold. Mineral on the palate, with concentrated fruit, both smooth and crystalline. 2027-2040

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About wine:

Black cherry, smoke, toasted nuts, flowers, and red fruits dominate the bouquet. With a clean, smooth, silky, and polished attack, accompanied by hints of cocoa, spices, and licorice that complement the sweet, ripe red fruit on the palate, this wine is already very enjoyable and should be perfect for drinking in the short term while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 2023-2032.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and an almost black core. Elegant nose of ripe wild strawberries, blackberries, subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak in the background. On the palate, great freshness and good balance with ripe tannins and fine acidity, succulent fruit, subtle spices and a hint of oak, with a convincing length.

Falstaff

About wine:

Deep ruby red with violet highlights and an ochre rim. Fresh red forest fruits, a hint of ripe cherry, nuances of fresh mandarin zest. Medium-bodied, red fruit texture, fine tannins, good freshness, salty minerality on the finish, a light gastronomic wine.