Why it matters
The producer
Domaine de Chevalier holds Grand Cru Classé de Graves status in both red and white wines. The Bordeaux estate is located in Léognan, with a range divided between Cabernet Sauvignon led red wine and Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon white wine.
Its name reaches back to an estate purchased by Arnaud Ricard in 1865 for 33,000 Francs. The sale marked a transition in wine marketing, while the estate's classification continues across two colours and two distinct grape compositions.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Léognan is the estate's location within Bordeaux, while Graves is the appellation named in its classification. Grand Cru Classé de Graves covers both red and white wines here, so the classification applies across the estate's two wine colours.
The white wine is built from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the classic white grape varieties used in the supplied composition. The red wines use Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, with the proportions changing by vintage.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range divides into red and white wines. Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is listed for the 2021 and 2020 vintages. The general estate red composition is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Cabernet Franc. For the 2021 vintage, the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc.
L'Esprit de Chevalier Blanc is the estate's second wine, with the 2012 vintage identified as a white Graves wine. Its composition is 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. In general Bordeaux wine terms, Cabernet Sauvignon supplies tannin and blackcurrant, Merlot rounds the palate, Petit Verdot adds colour and spice, Cabernet Franc brings floral notes, Sauvignon Blanc gives citrus and herbal aromas, and Sémillon adds body and a rounder texture.