Domaine de Chevalier of the Pessac-Leognan appellation is classified as a Grand Cru Classe de Graves. The property belonged to the Ricard family from 1865 until it was purchased by its current owners, the Bernard family, in 1983. It is one of a very few Bordeaux estates to have kept its “domaine” title instead of using the the more popular “chateau” designation.

The estate covers a hundred hectares, of which 45 are under vine: 40 for the property’s red wines, and 5 for its whites. The vineyards are planted with 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot for the red wines, and 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon for the white wines. Soils are dark sand and fine white gravel.

Domaine de Chevalier has been run since acquisition by Olivier Bernard, who perpetuates that spirit of balance and the constant drive for perfection which have been the hallmark of their outstanding wines. The flagship red belongs to the elite of the great classified growths of Bordeaux, while the white is recognized as one of the world’s finest dry wines. The domaine also produces red and white second wines under the Esprit de Chevalier label, which are made from the estate’s young vines.

The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc from the Pessac-Léognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France, is a white Bordeaux blend composed of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. This wine has garnered impressive accolades from multiple professional reviewers, making it a notable choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

James Suckling awarded this vintage a near-perfect score of 98 points, highlighting its "impressive mineral tension and depth." He described it as "medium- to full-bodied, very long and persistent" with "oyster shell, crushed stone and citrus peel character." Suckling emphasized the wine's "racy acidity" and "backbone of fine tannins," which contribute to its remarkable structure (jamessuckling.com, April 2024).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also praised the 2023 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, giving it a score range of 94-96 points. Yohan Castaing noted its "perfumed, complex bouquet" with aromas of "pear, white peach, hazelnuts, lime tree leaves and spring flowers." Castaing lauded its "fleshy and concentrated" profile, with "racy acids" and "chalky, structuring dry extract," making it a standout in this vintage (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, April 2024).

Vinous's Neal Martin echoed these sentiments, rating the wine 94-96 points. He commended its "wonderful purity" and "superb focus," mentioning scents of "lime, green apple and crushed stone." Martin described the palate as "well balanced" with "real intensity" and a "mineral, almost slate-like finish" (Vinous, April 2024).

Jane Anson also rated it 96 points, calling it "the most consistent of all Pessac Léognan whites." She pointed out its "fresh acidities and fennel spice," along with flavors of "white pear, sage, liquorice root," and its overall "savoury" nature (janeanson.com, April 2024).

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider also gave it a strong score of 95 points. He noted its "juicy lemons, white flowers, pomelo, green apples, and a hint of pineapples," describing the palate as "packed with ripe, sweet, creamy, yellow citrus" (TheWineCellarInsider.com, April 2024).

Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine 93-96 points, highlighting its "ripe citrus, honeyed flowers, mint, and a kiss of background oak." He appreciated its "terrific mid-palate depth and richness" and "integrated acidity" (jebdunnuck.com, May 2024).

Lastly, Decanter and The Wine Independent both rated it 96 points. Decanter noted its "refined aromas of wet stone, lemongrass, verbena, fresh herb, lime, quince and kiwi," while Lisa Perrotti-Brown from The Wine Independent praised its "vivacious notes of white peaches, fresh pineapple, and juicy pears" (Decanter, April 2024; The Wine Independent, May 2024).

The 2023 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is a well-balanced, complex wine with strong mineral characteristics and vibrant acidity, making it a top-tier selection in its category.