Review: Esprit de Chevalier 2008 Blanc

The low-down: Domaine de Chevalier is one of the storied estates of Pessac Leognan that produce some fantastic red and white wines. The estate is often called ‘a secret garden’ and it does give the impression of being hidden away. It sits in a clearing completely isolated by trees with no neighbours. The proprietor, Olivier Bernard, is quite the man about town - he was President of the Union des Grand Crus Bordeaux in 2012 and is also a co-owner of Sauternes' Chateau Guiraud.

The estate's whites are known for their long-ageing, consistency and rich flavors which evolve over time. This is their second wine, and so with six years passed it should be peaking about now. The blend is typical for a Bordeaux blanc - 52% sauvignon blanc and 48% semillon. At the estate only 4.5 ha under vine are devoted to white grapes - which produce 1,200 cases of the white first wine and 800 cases for this second wine - a rare treat!

We picked this up from Le Clos at Dubai airport.

Fun fact: the estate is one of the few in Bordeaux to be named a domaine rather than a chateau.

The take: On appearance, golden yellow, high transparency, chunky legs. On the nose, medicinal, a bit like cough syrup, with oaky notes. On the attack, very rick, thick. Unfortunately the wine is unbalanced, sugary, astringent, medicinal. A bit like the Vin Jaune we had last year. The wine may be too old.

In closing: Disappointed, we expected more from an old Bordeaux stalwart.

Rating: 4.5 out of 10.

Fact corner:

Country: France

Region: Pessac-Leognan (AOC)

Producer: Domaine de Chevalier

Vintage: 2008

Grape: Sauvignon blanc, semillon

Alcohol content: 13.0%

Serving temperature: n/a

Price range: Mid-range

#photo #review #white #france #midrange #ssb #2008 #456outof10 #pessacleognan