2014 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan

Domaine de Chevalier is a classified Grand Cru Classé de Graves and regarded as one of the most important estates in the prestigious Pessac-Leognan appellation. Both a red and white Grand Vin is made at Domaine de Chevalier, known for quality and longevity, and the Blanc is one of the longest-lived wines in all of Bordeaux.

Taking a unique approach during harvest, all grape sorting is done exclusively in the vineyards, even if it means some grapes are picked one at a time! To combat potential frost damage they employ wind machines and even helicopters in certain vintages. The reason this works is that it mixes the lower layers of cold air where the vines are with warmer air above the earth in order to avoid damage from frost. These types of meticulous practices are how they garnered a reputation for producing great wine even in average vintages.

Remaining a family-owned and managed estate. Olivier Bernard who began managing the estate at 23 years old in 1983, is now joined by his wife Anne Bernard, and their two sons. Sustainable vineyard practices have been adopted to tend to the vines which are an average of 50 years old. 

Surrounding many of the estates that performed best during the Graves Classification of 1959, Pessac-Leognan was established in 1987 in order to recognize the high-quality red and white wines produced here.

Aging: 18 to 20 months French oak, 40-60% new