Domaine de Chevalier 2012

A delicate, fresh and aromatic Pessac-Léognan white wine

The producer

Owned by the Bernard family since 1983, the beautiful Domaine de Chevalier is at the top of the list of the finest Bordeaux Crus Classés. Like a secret garden, this iconic cru located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, to the south of Bordeaux, is surrounded by a green haven.

The vineyard

Domaine de Chevalier watches over a rare vineyard which comprises 5 hectares of white vines. A true patchwork of terroirs, the Domaine de Chevalier vineyard is composed of black sand and fine white gravel soil resting on a perfectly drained clay-gravel subsoil.

The vintage

After two years of drought, the heavy rainfall during spring was ideal and replenished the soil’s water reserves. The efficient vineyard management reduced the risk of disease caused by the rainfall and favoured, through green harvesting, a progressive and even flowering period. The good weather conditions during the summer months enabled the grapes to reach perfect ripeness up until the manual harvest, which took place between the 12th of September and the 5th of October.

The vinification and ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo successive selections based on their ripeness level. Slow pressing precedes alcoholic fermentation in barrels, as does the 18-month ageing period (35% new barrels), followed by regular stirring of the lees.

The blend

The 2012 Domaine de Chevalier dry white wine comprises a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Semillon (30%).

The tasting

Colour

Lively and bright, the colour is a beautiful pale gold.

Nose

Precise and intense, this beautifully complex wine blends fresh fruit fragrances (vine peach, pineapple) and citrus fruits with subtle notes of acacia flowers. When aired, tasty mineral, minty and smoky notes emerge.

Palate

Full and smooth, this wine will seduce the palate with its straightforwardness sustained by a lively acidity. Pure and refined, the palate combines an intense fruity expression with a delicate feel and a great freshness.