Domaine de Chevalier blanc - Pessac-Léognan 2017

Wine Advocate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/17/2020

Closed on the nose to begin, the Domaine de Chevalier 2017 Blanc (composed of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon) opens to aromas of ripe pears, Golden delicious apples and white peaches with notions of straw, honeysuckle and chalk. Medium-bodied, the palate is seriously intense and racy with loads of mineral sparks on the finish. It was aged for 16 months in French oak, 35% new. Drinking Window : 2021 - 2033

Vinous

94

byAntonio Gallonithe3/11/2020

A wine of noble breeding and class, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc dazzles from start to finish. Dried flowers, chamomile, mint and citrus confit struggle to emerge, buried by the wine's sheer richness and concentration. The 2017 needs at least a few years in bottle to come together, but that won't be an issue for a wine that will drink well for several decades. 94+

Jamessuckling.com

98

byJames Sucklingthe1/13/2020

This is really powerful and structured with superb muscle and phenolic tension. Yet, it’s formed and polished, layered and dense. Full-bodied, but energetic and focused. Vibrant acidity. Goes on for minutes. Citrus, stone, straw, salt and chalk. Incredible. Try after 2023.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Rich, yet youthfully compact, with notes of tarragon, verbena and honeysuckle infused deeply into a core of white peach, lemon peel and yellow apple fruit flavors. This should take on a creamier feel when it unwinds. Drink now through 2023.   –JM

Le Point

15,5-16

byJacques Dupontthe6/20/2018

Pomme en cave, bouche savoureuse, des notes d’agrumes, du gras en milieu de bouche, bonne longueur, finale sur l’amertume du pamplemousse.

Jeb DUNNUCK

95-97

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

I was able to taste the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc on three separate occasions and it never failed to impress. It should match, if not exceed, the 2015. Gorgeous notes of lemon curd, mint, citrus, white peach, and salty minerality all emerge from this medium to full-bodied white. It doesn’t have the sheer scale or sexiness of a sunnier year, yet its purity is off the charts, it has riveting acidity, and a great, great finish. The blend is currently 70% Sauvignon and 30% Sémillon, and it will spend 16 months on lees in 35% new French oak. Don’t miss it! 95-97+

WeinWisser

18,5

byRené Gabrielthe5/31/2018

70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon. Helles, blasses Gelb mit lindgrünem Schimmer. Was für ein Parfüm nach reifen Stachel-beeren, Minze und Weingartenpfirsisch, ge-radlinig und direkt. lm mittleren Gaumen mit ausgereifter Sâure und perfekter Ba­lance. lm gebündelten Finale punktet er mit Limetten und spürbarer, tiefgründiger Mi-neralik. Ein grosser Domaine de Chevalier, der ohne Zweifel in die erste Pessac-Léognan Verfolgergruppe mit Smith Haut Lafitte gehârt!            
18.5/20 2020 — 2035

Vinous

92-95

byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018

The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is fabulous, but it is also going to need a number of years to be at its very best. Powerful and dense in the glass, the 2017 offers terrific brightness and cut, all backed up with serious structure. Smoke, melon, orchard fruit and mint are some of the many notes that develop as this gorgeous wine shows off its personality. Quite simply, the 2017 has class to burn, but readers will have to be patient. Tasted three times.

Vinous

93-95

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was picked from 31 August until 15 September via several tries through the vineyard that yielded 46hl/ha, with 13.5° alcohol. It has a very attractive, estuarine influenced bouquet with scents of cockle and oyster shell infusing the vivacious citrus fruit. This opens up very nicely with aeration in the glass. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It feels quite saline and spicy in the mouth with a rather intense citric finish that is very persistent, the aftertaste again, quite saline.

Wine Advocate

91-93

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/27/2018

A tentative blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon, the 2017 Blanc opens with vibrant notes of freshly squeezed lemons, pink grapefruit and yuzu, accented by touches of lime zest and green apple plus a waft of crushed stones. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and super-intense, wonderfully expressive citrus flavors, it finishes long and chalky.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2018

As with the red, this really does punch at the top end of the appellation. It's more herbal than some, showing attractive fresh herb notes of rosemary and sage. High quality white peach and nectarine flavours run though the palate, with slatey edges on the finish that are scraping the sides. It's a great wine that is going to age and develop. Oh - and there was a touch of frost here, but Domaine de Chevalier was, of course, well prepared, being located in a vulnerable spot. One-third new oak.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,75

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/17/2018

Wine Enthusiast

94-96

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

Still tight and firmly closed, this has the potential to age for many years. With its concentration, rich apricot and spice flavors, it is rounded while also full of minerality. Drink from 2023.

Jamessuckling.com

96-97

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

This is a dense and beautiful DC with serious density and a fabulous layering of fruit. Phenolics are there but they melt into the wine already. Love the acid/fruit balance. A solid and serious white.