Domaine de Chevalier - Domaine de Chevalier blanc 2018

JAMES SUCKLING: "This has a complex nose of dried apple, green mango, grapefruit zest, dried honeysuckle and crushed almonds. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity and a dense, phenolic texture. Vivid and layered with fantastic precision. Very, very long. This needs time. Better from 2026."

WEINWISSER: "Helles Gelb. Verhaltenes, sehr finessenreiches Bouquet mit Schlüsselblumen und Weingartenpfirsich, dahinter Mirabellen. Am schlanken Gaumen mit pfeffrigem Extrakt und feinnerviger Textur. Zeigt mineralische Finesse. Im gebündelten Finale mit Pink Grapefruit und viel Mineralik, sehr straff vinifiziert von Beginn bis zum Ende. Gehört daher zu der Topliga der weissen Pessac-Léognan."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "One of the iconic white wines of Bordeaux, produced in small quantities, this is a powerful and rich expression of ripe Sauvignon Blanc. The fruitiness, with its tropical hints, is enhanced by the wine's complexity, touches of spice and density. Drink this impressive wine from 2024. "

JEB DUNNUCK: "One of the top whites in the vintage, the 2018 Domaine De Chevalier Blanc is mostly Sauvignon blended with 25% Sémillon that was raised in 35% new French oak. A forward, approachable vintage for this cuvée, it has a beautiful, medium to full-bodied style as well as loads of lemon curd, white grapefruit, toasted bread, spice, and a kiss of chalky minerality. Balanced, pure, and elegant, drink this killer Bordeaux Blanc over the coming 10-15 years."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Round, bright, lush, creamy and juicy, with layers of fresh, crisp pomelo, waxy lemon peel, green apple, flowers and stone with a dab of honey, there is a lot to like here. Give it a few more years in the cellar and there will be even more to like as it ages."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Gorgeous, with both rich and racy elements as lemon curd, shortbread and honeysuckle notes contrast with lemon pith, thyme and fleur de sel notes. Long finish has wet straw and paraffin hints, adding length and range. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2030."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The Domaine de Chevalier 2018 Blanc, a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, offers up a gorgeous perfume of ripe Bosc pears, grapefruit oil, mandarin peel and lemongrass, leading to wafts of sea spray, lime blossom and beeswax. The medium to full-bodied palate has a seducing opulence, delivering layers of citrus, pear and floral-inspired flavors with a satiny texture and seamless freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick. It makes for a complex, decadently delicious wine right now, but give it 4-5 years in bottle to see it take on even more savory/toasty layers, and drink it for the next 10-12 years or more."

DECANTER: "This clearly has focus and stone-fruit steely determination. Clear opulence and density if not quite the grip of this wine in the very best white vintages. Excellent white pepper spice as it opens. Drinking Window 2021 - 2034"

FALSTAFF: "Helles Gelbgrün, silberfarbene Reflexe. Gelbe Mangofrucht, Zitruszesten, ein Hauch von Vanille und Pfirsich, florale Nuancen, zart mit Blütenhonig unterlegt. Saftig, elegant, feine Fruchtsüße, rund und harmonisch, feine Säurestruktur, Honigmelone im Nachhall, bleibt haften, verfügt über Reifepotenzial."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deeper straw colour than most. Broad and flattering on the nose. Lots of meatiness. Fine wine with depth and length. Quite Sauvignon-influenced but with real substance."