2018 l'Esprit de Chevalier
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Tasting notes
The 2018 L'Esprit de Chevalier is a gorgeous second wine from Domaine de Chevalier. Soft, pliant and so expressive, the 2018 is simply impeccable. The purity of the flavors is striking. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint and dried herbs add striking perfume to a core of supple red berry fruit. In a word: fabulous.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Checking in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot brought up mostly in used barrels, the 2018 L'Esprit De Chevalier has a rich, dense, medium to full-bodied style with slightly reserved darker currant and cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and earth, firm tannins, and a good finish. While most second wines are up-front and geared for early drinking, this is going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age. It should keep for over a decade.
The 2018 Esprit de Chevalier has an attractive bouquet of brambly black fruit, melted tar and pencil box scents, unfolding gently with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with an earthy, bell-pepper-tinged opening. A little Loire-like in style, it is nicely balanced, displaying a touch of chalkiness on the finish. Drink over the next 5–7 years.
About the producer
Since buying the property in 1983, the Bernard family has cemented Domaine de Chevalier’s reputation as one of the Graves’s finest red and white wine producers, known for their sophisticated and elegant wines.