2011 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac Leognan Grand Cru Classe

Producer Notes

Being a Graves wine other than Haut-Brion makes life a little difficult in the heavily classified wine region of Bordeaux: you’re either Grand Cru Classe or you’re not. You only get a number in front if you’re in the Medoc, or you’re Haut-Brion, which seems a little unfair. So Domaine de Chevalier is a Grand Cru Classe and if it were in the Medoc, it would probably have a relatively low number, like 3eme.
As a result of this oversight, Graves is a good hunting ground for value in Bordeaux, and Domaine de Chevalier is one of the better bets.
The red and white wines are both very good and, if anything, the white is better.
The red blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc; and the white blend is 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon.
The red is usually good for 20 years (and we have some 1975s which are still OK), and unusually the white ages exceptionally and good vintages can last as long as some Sauternes.
L’Esprit de Chevalier, a second red wine is also produced; and the wines of Clos des Lunes are also made at the chateau.