Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2018 Pessac-Leognan 《TF986C》

“Chevalier’s history is an integral part of its identity... The true birth of the estate dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Until not so long ago, the forest took up most of the western part of the Graves, where we are located. How things have changed since then!

Only three men have managed Domaine de Chevalier from time it was acquired by Arnaud and Jean Ricard in 1865 until it was purchased by my family in 1983. As for Jean Ricard, I would say that he is the true creator of Chevalier as we know it. However, his son-in-law, Gabriel Beaumartin, who was at Chevalier for forty years, was responsible for crystallising its reputation.

“In 1983, my family, until then specialised in the sale of grape brandy and Bordeaux great growths, decided to purchase the Domaine de Chevalier… When I was asked to become the new manager, I was fully conscious of – and attracted to – the tremendous challenge.”_by Olivier Bernard who the present owner of Domaine de Chevalier.

The unbroken period of beautiful weather was favourable to full maturity of the red wine grapes, and refined their tannins immensely. The harvest dates for each plot could be chosen with great precision, by tasting the berries, and there was no need for haste thanks to the fine weather.

All varieties had fine large bunches in tip-top condition with fairly big berries. The skins of the red wine grapes were thick (due to the drought conditions from July to September). Yields were generous, but not excessively so.

The potential quality is excellent for all varieties. The grapes were rich, with fruity tannin, great balance, and considerable freshness.