L'Esprit de Chevalier rouge - Pessac-Léognan 2023

Vinous

92

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and iris flower scents, gaining intensity as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, cohesive and focused, with a harmonious blackberry and cedar finish. Just a classy Deuxième Vin from Olivier Bernard.

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

Thyme, bay leaves and earthy notes, with underlying dark fruit that’s delineated and very compact on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Cedary tannins and a saline element with a firm finish. Nervy yet charming. Caressing tannins. The second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Better in 2028.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/13/2024

The second wine of this reference point estate outside of Léognan, the 2023 L'Esprit De Chevalier offers a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Graves notes of darker currants, smoky herbs, graphite, and scorched earth. It's medium-bodied, has ample ripeness, and surprisingly polished, silky tannins for a second wine. It's beautifully made and will offer ample pleasure on release and over the following 15+ years.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Fresh, bright, red berries, flowers, and cocoa show in the nose. Medium-bodied, the wine is elegant, soft, polished, silky, and vibrant, with sweet, ripe, red berries in the finish. You can enjoy this with pleasure on release. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV. Drink from 2026-2036. 90-92 Pts.

Vinous

91-93

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 L'Esprit de Chevalier is a really lovely second wine from Olivier Bernard and his team. Picked September 7 to 30, it has a refined yet focused bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberries, touches of camphor and Provençal herbs, all delivered with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins on the entry, but it immediately segues into a surprisingly structured and grippy mid-palate. Quite bold for an Esprit, with a dash of white pepper on the finish, don't be afraid to afford this a few months in the cellar.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byYohan Castaingthe4/26/2024

The 2023 L'Esprit de Chevalier, with its somber, dark character, evokes aromas of pencil lead, dark wild berries, violet, mulberries and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and charming palate framed by a fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and an expansive, mouthwatering finish despite some oaky notes. This is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

Lots of blackberry, crushed-stone, bark and lead-pencil aromas. Full-bodied and tight on the palate with soft and pretty tannins that give it length and focus. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc.

Vertdevin

93-94

byJonathan Chicheportichethe4/24/2024