critic reviews
The second wine of Chevalier is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, and the élevage was in 25% new oak like Lespault-Martillac (another Bernard wine), but for a little longer, for up to 16 months. A beautifully aromatic nose, with powdered chalk, delicately dried griottes and rose petals, as well as a sandalwood and matchstick freshness. This has a charming sense of cohesion at the start of the palate, showing very complete, albeit with a rather loose and juicy character in the middle and finish, before a finish of slightly sappy tannins. A charming second wine, savoury, juicy and open, ready to drink in a year or two, although it will hold on for a decade I expect. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 13.5%.
Charming, has lift and well defined dark fruits, chalky tannins, a touch of cassis bud, just not quite the balance of Domaine de la Solitude, which would be my pick of the two sibling estates.
The 2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier presents a tightly coiled nose with blackcurrant, incense and light sea spray scents. It's well defined but still needs a couple of years to open. The palate is medium-bodied with muscular tannins for a Deuxième Vin. This is more structured than anticipated, though bottle age will shave its edges. Give it more time in the cellar than you think and you will be duly rewarded.
The 2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier displays aromas of dark berries, spices and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate. It is rather firm on the finish. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.