Esprit de Chevalier (Red)

History

The history of the Domaine de Chevalier goes back to the archives of the XVIIth century which recall that the small estate of Chivaley (knight in Gascony) includes “houses, outbuildings, gardens, land, vines, woods and meadows” and thus represents a farm in which the vine cohabited with breeding and food crops. The name of the Domaine de Chevalier would be linked, without knowing exactly why, to the presence of the very old Way of Saint Jacques de Compostelle which still borders the property.
In 1983, Olivier Bernard took over the running of the estate, and he still manages this family property with passion today. The message was clear. It was a question of continuing the work undertaken one hundred and twenty years earlier and to inscribe in the long term a patrimonial and qualitative approach, of a product full of history, rich in a unique image.
The property produces red, white and rosé wines. L’Esprit de Chevalier is the second wine of the property.

Terroir & Vinification

The Domaine de Chevalier is a clearing in the middle of the forest that protects it, a sort of secret garden away from the media circuits. This is a bit of a paradox for this cru of excellence, which competes with the greatest vintages of Bordeaux.
However, one could think of Chevalier’s terroir as difficult, capricious…
But it is exceptional and capable of producing a remarkably early harvest, provided that we take care to treat it with the respect it deserves. We can say that a great wine is always born in extreme conditions, on a difficult terroir, and even, paradoxically, that it is from this difficult character that it derives its greatness.
In reality, a great terroir gives a great wine where nothing else grows but the vine.

Indeed, this prestigious terroir is of great complexity and aromatic finesse capable of sublimating the grape varieties to obtain their quintessence. But this requires a total respect for the soil and the plant, orchestrated by Man, who is the revealer.

The blend of L’Esprit de Chevalier consists of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. L’Esprit de Chevalier takes the majority of the aromatic codes of the first wine as well as the same conditions of production, which makes it a true reference of the Appellation Pessac-Léognan.

Tasting

This 2nd Domaine de Chevalier wine offers a dense color. The nose is fruity, intense and complex. It has aromas of spicy red and black fruits and licorice. The palate is full-bodied, unctuous, concentrated and elegant yet refined with ripe, supple tannins. The finish is fruity, very good balance.

Their Team

• Owners : Famille BERNARD
• Director : Olivier BERNARD
• Co-Director : Rémy EDANGE
• Commercial Director : Olivier et Adrien BERNARD
• Technical Director : Thomas STONESTREET with Hugo BERNARD & Thomas MEILHAN
• Oenologist : Stéphane DERENONCOURT