Bordeaux 2025: Domaine de Chevalier

Olivier Bernard and his long-term consultant, Stéphane Derenoncourt, produce some of the finest wines from Pessac Leognan. Whether red or white, they are always classical, elegant and age-worthy, especially so in 2025. Antonio Galloni describes the Blanc as his “white wine of the vintage”, and all the major critics are unanimous with their praise for the “stunner” that is Domaine de Chevalier. Even more classical than usual, the 2025 is initially a bit diffident, then begins to expand in the glass revealing wonderful floral aromatics and a persistent core of nervy, hedgerow fruit, all with a staggeringly low alcohol of 12.5%! Fans of Domaine de Chevalier will not be disappointed. As ever, the white is also glorious, one of the few Bordeaux Secs worth seeking out and squirrelling away. This is brimming with energy and intrigue and will no doubt age at glacial pace, like most of its forebears.

Red

“The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier was picked from 11 to 26 September at 38 hl/ha with an alcohol level of 12.5%. This is perfumed on the nose with raspberry, cassis and light iris flower scents, just a touch of truffle in the background. You need to wait because this "grows" in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins. Very harmonious, quintessentially Pessac, gravel-tinged black fruit, almost pillowy in texture, yet there is certainly decent structure here with just the right amount of grip towards the finish. It will require less bottle age than, say, the 2020 or 2022, yet it is endowed with real complexity and classicism. It is Domaine de Chevalier, after all. 2030 – 2060”

94-96/100

Neal Martin, vinous.com

“The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, was harvested between September 11 and 26—an unusually early finish—with yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare. It reveals a bouquet marked by oak, with notes of spice, dark berries, lead pencil and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s built around a substantial chassis of tannins and framed by powdery, youthful structure, concluding with a long, firm and structured finish, reflecting the wine’s inherent density.”

93-95/100

Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate

“The depth of fruit comes through clearly, with a medium body and plenty of berry, chocolate, walnut and bark aromas. Creamy and polished, with a lovely texture and a long and rather endless finish. Soft and precise. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% petit verdot.”

97-98/100

James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

“The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier is a total stunner. The oak imprint is a bit strong, but the 2025 possesses notable richness and textural depth to handle it all. Signature red-toned fruit and floral overtones soar through the layered, expansive close. 2035 – 2075”

95-97/100

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com

White

“A tight and powerful wine with a precise and structured texture. Restrained, steely and racy. Goes on for minutes. So much intensity. A bright and shining white. Stunning balance. Alcohol 13.5%. A blend of 70% sauvignon blanc and 30% semillon.”

98-99/100

James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com

“The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc gets my vote for the white wine of the vintage. Rich and powerful in the glass, but also beautifully vibrant, the 2025 dazzles from start to finish. Lemon confit, pear, slate, mint, white flowers and tangerine peel are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop over time. The 2025 is quite simply stunning. Don’t miss it! 2035-2075.”

97-99/100

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com