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Some wines are simply born to age, and the 2022 Domaine de Chevalier is one of them. A wine of remarkable structure and depth, this vintage stands as a testament to both the power of the terroir and the legacy of Olivier Bernard, who celebrates his 40th vintage at the estate with a one-off commemorative label.

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 months in French oak barrels (33% new, 65% one and two-wine barrels), enhancing structure and complexity while preserving freshness and balance.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Domaine de Chevalier is deeply structured, powerful, and elegant. Aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, and dark berries mingle with notes of graphite, licorice, black truffle, and smoky tobacco. The palate is full-bodied and intense, with silky yet gripping tannins, layers of cedar, crushed stone, and spice, and a long, mineral-driven finish that promises extraordinary aging potential.

Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Domaine De Chevalier is beautiful, with a 2009-like style in its spicy red and black fruits, tobacco, new leather, and graphite-driven aromas and flavors. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Chevalier that has a supple, layered mouthfeel, beautifully polished tannins, and just about flawless balance. It's not massive or over the top in any way and excels on its balance and complexity. Based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, drink this seamless, sexy, already approachable 2022 over the coming 30-40 years. ~98 Jeb Dunnuck

Commemorating his 40th harvest at the helm of the estate, Olivier Bernard has crafted a wine of abundant promise. Evoking aromas of dark wild berries, spices, smoke and licorice, framed by a deft touch of new oak, the 2022 Domaine de Chevalier possesses a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich palate, with an elegant, fleshy core of fruit, abundant powdery tannins and a long, delicate and dark berry-inflected finish. Noticeably less toasty and spicy than in the previous year, this estate has positively evolved in style. Matured for 18 months in a combination of new (35%) and used barrels, the 2022 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. ~96+ Wine Advocate

The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier bursts from the glass with enticing blackberry, incense and blueberry aromas that do not hold back. Despite the intensity, it retains superb delineation and focus, with beautifully integrated oak. The medium-bodied palate is packed with black fruit laced with graphite and a dash of black pepper. Very well balanced, it is unequivocally one of the most powerful wines I have encountered from Domaine de Chevalier without compromising its classicism. This is outstanding.~ 96 Vinous Media