Created by Jean Ricard in 1865, the Domaine de Chevalier covers 67 hectares in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan forest, including 7 hectares of white grapes, on the west of the appellation. Producing exceptional wines in both red and white, the estate was crowned Grand Cru Classé de Graves in 1953. Acquired and managed by Olivier Bernard in 1983, the Domaine de Chevalier extended its fame to the whole world.
Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages thanks to its unique terroir and a draconian selection in the vineyard and the cellar. In fact, this philosophy at times requires vineyard workers to carry out five waves of picking in order to pick only the ripest possible grapes.
Furthermore, as of 1986, the planting of young vines led to the creation of both a red and white second wine called Esprit de Chevalier. This includes vats that do not have quite the structure and focus of the grand vin as well as wine made from young vines.
Vats that go into red Esprit de Chevalier must nevertheless be complex, well-balanced, well-structured and, above all, elegant enough to be in keeping with Chevalier’s image.
Esprit de Chevalier is a charming red wine with many of the same qualities as the grand vin and the added advantage that can be enjoyed earlier.
