Domaine de Chevalier, Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2018

Domaine de Chevalier, Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac-Leognan 2018

Classified Red Wine. Cru Classe de Graves in 1959.

Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan 2018 is a distinguished Cru Classé de Graves that combines elegance, depth and classical Bordeaux structure. It is a serious, cellar-worthy wine with the refined, mineral-driven profile that has made the estate one of the most respected names in Pessac-Léognan.

Critic tasting notes: (2018 vintage) 

"The intensity and perfumes on the nose are extremely impressive, offering pure blackberries and violets, as well as bark, wild-mushroom and raw-tile notes. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins that envelop the wine and a gorgeous, subtly complex center palate with all the flavors found on the nose. Endless finish. Love the finesse and length to this. Greatest ever. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Try after 2026." - James Suckling

"Clearly the finest vintage of Domaine de Chevalier ever produced, this beauty has it all. The captivating perfume with all its smoke, earth, spice, tobacco infused, ripe, red and dark red fruits, tar, cigar box, thyme and espresso scents is close to off the charts. With the 2018 you find unheard of levels of concentration with everything in balance. The fruits are generous, silky and pure. The refined, elegant finish just goes on and on. With aging, this could merit an even higher score in the years to come. . Olivier Bernard calls this the best vintage of Domaine de Chevalier he has ever produced and he is right! The wine is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. 97 Points" - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (97/100)

"With the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, this wine shows its pedigree, richness and potential. Tannins are almost velvet in their texture while packing a fine punch and conveying plenty of longevity. The ripeness of the vintage balances with the structure. Drink the wine from 2027." - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (96/100)

"Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, discreet brightening on the rim. Delicate tobacco-like notes of old wood, black cherries, a hint of cassis and nougat, attractive bouquet. Juicy, blackberries, finely fruity with ripe supporting tannins, shows length and minerality, still a touch too young but already very promising; drinking from 2028. (Drink/+30)." - Falstaff (95/100)

Site & Identity

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its gravel soils, woodland setting and exceptional balance between power and freshness. The estate style is always polished rather than heavy, with a strong sense of precision, aromatic detail and long aging potential. In the 2018 vintage, the wine should be presented as ripe, concentrated and beautifully composed, with a clear premium identity.

Technical Tasting Note

• Appearance: Deep ruby with a dark, youthful core and violet reflections.

• Nose: Blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite, tobacco, violet and subtle smoky-spice notes.

• Palate: Full-bodied and layered, with concentrated dark fruit, fine tannins and a polished, slightly smoky mineral frame.

• Finish: Long, elegant and persistent, with a savoury, fresh close and excellent structural length.

Winemaking & Style

This estate is typically crafted with a strong emphasis on balance, purity and finesse, allowing the gravelly terroir of Pessac-Léognan to show through clearly. The 2018 vintage brought richness and depth, but the best examples from Domaine de Chevalier retain remarkable freshness and poise. It is a wine that should be positioned as both luxurious and restrained, with excellent long-term aging potential.

Food Pairing

Excellent with roast lamb, beef fillet, duck breast, game birds, mushroom dishes and mature hard cheeses. It is also a strong choice for cellaring and opening on special occasions.