France_Bordeaux_de-Chevalier_PessacLeognan_2012

This estate, dating back to the 17th century, is one of the few in Bordeaux which has retained the original ‘domaine’ name instead of the more common ‘chateau’ – probably a sign of pride for their long history. The name Chevalier comes from ‘chivaley’, the Gascon word for ‘knight’. Domaine de Chevalier is famous both for its reds, refined and mineral, and complex and long-lived whites.

In the glass, it has a pale lemon-straw hue. The nose is really concentrated, defined, complex and rich. In the attack, notes of dried herbs blend pleasantly with toast and smoke. After, the fruit comes through: ripe aromas of grapefruit, nectarine, and also tropical nuances of pineapple and passion fruit. The pungent hint of the latter is beautifully tangled with green notes of nettle and gooseberry. There are also scents of honey and marmalade, candied lemon bits and pine resin. A zippy and pungent character overall. The oak is beautifully integrated.
On the palate, this wine is full in body. A lovely fresh acidity balances the rich flavours. Ripe fruit in the attack, with a great depth and intensity of flavours. Nutty and smoky notes add complexity to the citrus fruit and the ripe herbal component, layered with a candied lemon note in the mid-palate. A dense texture with a long persisting finish. This wine exhibits ripe fruitiness and intense flavours, but at the same time is lean and tight. Overall a great tension comes through. Truly an outstanding white Bordeaux, that with some additional years of ageing will become even more irresistible.