L'Esprit de Chevalier, Pessac Leognan,

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier Rouge is deep garnet-purple in color. It tumbles from the glass with evocative notes of plum preserves, black raspberries, and Morello cherries with hints of lavender and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright and refreshing, with firm, grainy tannins to support the energetic black and red berry layers, finishing on a mineral note. pH 3.53.

The 2022 L'Esprit de Chevalier has an underlying sous-bois/mulch-like note on the nose, tucked beneath the dark berry fruit, plus an iodine hint. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins and good weight with what feels like a solid backbone. Almost uncompromising for a Deuxième Vin with a grippy finish. It's a second wine that deserves four to five years in bottle.