Our Rating
Pessac-Léognan
Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan is a wine that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly earns your respect. It’s elegant, composed, and a bit like that friend who always knows the right thing to say at dinner. With a core of black cherry, earthy leather, and a savory olive twist, this bottle captures the essence of its gravel-strewn home in Bordeaux. It’s ready to drink now with a bit of patience and promises to age gracefully over the next decade or so. Priced at $75, it’s a splurge for some, but you’re getting a piece of Bordeaux tradition with every sip.
Domaine De Chevalier sits tucked away in a forested corner of Pessac-Léognan, a little like a secret garden of Bordeaux winemaking. Despite its relative seclusion, this estate has earned a reputation for crafting wines that manage to be both classic and fresh. The gravelly soils of Graves provide excellent drainage and heat retention, helping Cabernet Sauvignon and its blending partners reach their full potential.
The estate’s history stretches back to the 18th century, but its modern success is largely thanks to the Bernard family, who took over in the 1980s. Under their stewardship, Domaine De Chevalier has become a consistent performer, known for both its reds and whites. Unlike some Bordeaux estates that lean heavily into tradition, Chevalier embraces a balance between old-world practices and modern techniques.
Vineyards here are surrounded by woodland, creating a unique microclimate that tempers the often scorching summer heat. This natural protection helps the grapes retain their acidity, giving the wines a freshness that sets them apart from some of their more opulent neighbors. It’s a place where gravel, clay, and sand converge to create wines that reflect their environment with remarkable clarity.
Olivier Bernard is the kind of winemaker who sees vineyards as living, breathing ecosystems. When he took over Domaine De Chevalier in 1983, he was just 23 years old—an age when most people are still figuring out how to pair wine with dinner. Over the years, Bernard has developed a reputation for his thoughtful, long-term approach to winemaking. He believes that great wine starts with great farming, and his team employs sustainable practices to keep the vineyards healthy for future generations.
Bernard has a knack for blending tradition with innovation. While he respects Bordeaux’s centuries-old winemaking customs, he’s not afraid to experiment with vineyard techniques or rethink cellar practices when the results justify it. His wines often showcase a precision that comes from this balance, combining the elegance of classic Bordeaux with a touch of modern polish.
In interviews, Bernard comes across as someone genuinely curious about how wine can express a sense of place. He speaks with enthusiasm about the influence of Pessac-Léognan’s gravel soils and the way they shape the wine’s structure and flavor. For him, Domaine De Chevalier is more than a business; it’s a lifelong project to capture the essence of a particular patch of Bordeaux earth.
The 2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé pours a deep ruby red with a clarity that makes the wine almost shimmer in the glass. Tilt it toward the light, and you’ll notice a subtle transition to a lighter rim—a small hint of the wine’s youthful energy.
On the nose, the aromas come through with confidence. Black cherry and raspberry lead the charge, with blackcurrant trailing close behind. There’s an earthy, almost damp-forest-floor quality that adds intrigue alongside a touch of leather and a whisper of oak. Give it a swirl, and the savory notes become more pronounced—like someone dropped a jar of briny olives into a cedar box.
The first sip delivers what the aromas promised. Black cherry dominates initially, soon joined by tart red cherry and a savory olive note. As the wine sits on the palate, earthy flavors of leather, mushroom, and anise come forward. There’s a touch of oak, but it’s more of a supporting act than a headliner. The tannins feel firm but not aggressive—like a well-tailored jacket that holds everything in place without pinching.
Acidity here is bright enough to keep the wine feeling lively, while the alcohol sits at a comfortable 13.5%. The finish is long, stretching out with a lingering note of black cherry and a hint of spice. This is a wine that benefits from a bit of time to breathe; a one- to two-hour decant helps the savory elements soften and the fruit become more expressive.
Pairing this wine with food is almost too easy. Classic Bordeaux pairings like grilled lamb chops or roast duck work beautifully. For a more casual option, try it with a mushroom risotto or a well-seasoned steak. The wine’s earthy, savory side also makes it a good match for roasted vegetables, especially if there’s a bit of char involved.
The 2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé doesn’t need to shout to get its point across. It’s an elegant, balanced wine that rewards patience and attention. The mix of dark fruit, earthy leather, and savory olive flavors creates a wine that feels both familiar and intriguing.
While $75 isn’t exactly pocket change, this wine delivers enough complexity and character to justify the price, especially if you appreciate Bordeaux’s more understated side. Decant it, pour it into a generous Bordeaux glass, and let it tell you the story of its gravelly vineyards. It’s a wine that invites conversation—whether you’re discussing its nuances or just enjoying the moment with good company.
France
Pessac-Léognan
Cabernet Sauvignon
13.5
Olivier Bernard
1 to 2 Hours
Now to 2035
Domaine De Chevalier
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