2022 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (Pessac)

The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc offers up aromas of pear, nectarine, crushed mint jasmine and lemon, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a mineral-driven profile. It`s lively and bright, with a delicate, penetrating finish animated by racy acids. This blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, matured entirely in large wooden foudres and 500-liter barrels instead of the traditional barriques, is one of the finest white wines of the vintage, and one of the few that transcends its limitations. 93-96 points

Touch of reduction on the first nose, intense, gunsmoke-filled aromatics, clearly aimed at extremely long ageing. Great quality, stands out for its serious structure, with clove, aniseed and fennel woven through citrus and white pear, has weight and manages to stay on the savoury side of ripe. Needs time and food. Tasted twice. 40th harvest of Olivier Bernard (meaning a special label), 33% new oak. 94 points

The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is stunning. It exudes textural depth, intensity and pedigree from the very first taste. I imagine it will still be stellar in another few years’ time. For now, it is a wine to think about cellaring. Time brings out dried lemon peel, sage, mint, chamomile, salt and crushed rock scents that lend both vibrancy and complexity. In most vintages, the Blanc is either incredibly steely or ample in feel. In 2022, it is both. Tasted four times. 95-97 points

The 2022 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was picked from 22 August to 1 September. It has an instantly satisfying bouquet as it `launches` scents of passion fruit, lemon rind and patisserie scents, very well-defined and focused. The palate is intense on the entry and impressive in weight and density. Perhaps there`s not quite the tension of the previous vintage, but it is long and thickly textured on the finish. Excellent. 92-94 points