Country: France Region: Bordeaux  Varietal:  Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2016 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Domaine de Chevalier  Description:  This much respected property in Léognan is run with great care by Olivier Bernard whose family took it over from Claude Ricard in 1983. During the 1980s and 1990s there was a programme of replanting and it is only since the early 2000's, with the vines reaching maturity, that the quality here has returned to that of the great vintages of the 1960s and before. Without doubt, the best vintages of Chevalier are the most recent ones. Domaine de Chevalier performed an amazing treble at our annual Southwold blind tasting, winning the Graves flight in 2003, 2004 and 2005. It continues to perform brilliantly every year. Prices, however, have remained reasonable. Not only is Domaine de Chevalier the best value wine in Pessac-Léognan these days, it is now becoming one of the best of all. A property on the rise - one to watch.  Tasting Note: Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 L 'Esprit de Chevalier offers up exuberant black cherries, blackberry and warm plums scents with touches of baking spices and tobacco. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture and plenty of freshness supporting the generous, juicy black fruit in the mouth, finishing spicy. Food Matches: Beef Fillet, Lamb, Chicken