Domaine de Chevalier — Strength and Finesse in Graves

A great name of Pessac-Léognan, combining classicism and refinement. Domaine de Chevalier embodies the rare union of controlled power and crystalline elegance, both in red and white.

A Historic Estate at the Heart of Graves

The origins of the estate date back to the 16th century, when it was still called Chivaley. Classified as a Grand Cru in 1953 in the Graves classification, the domaine entered a new era in 1983 under the leadership of Olivier Bernard, from a family of cognac merchants. Visionary and respectful of the natural forest that surrounds the property, he modernized the estate with both precision and elegance.

An Exceptional Vineyard

The 67-hectare single-block vineyard benefits from a temperate microclimate thanks to a vast belt of surrounding woodland. This natural setting protects the vines and promotes steady, even ripening.

• 60 ha planted with reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
• 7 ha planted with whites: Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

The soils are composed of fine gravel resting on an iron-rich alios subsoil, typical of the great Graves terroirs, giving the wines a distinctive saline minerality and elegant structure.

Viticulture and Parcel-Based Precision

The estate is engaged in organic conversion with a viticultural approach close to biodynamics. The aim: to preserve biodiversity, stimulate soil life, and let the terroir express itself fully. Manual harvesting, meticulous sorting, and parcel-by-parcel vinification allow for a faithful interpretation of each vintage.

Winemaking and Ageing

• Red wines — Manual harvesting, vibrating table sorting, and optical sorting. Parcel-based vinification in thermo-regulated stainless-steel vats. Long macerations and gentle extractions to preserve finesse and balance. Aged for 16 to 20 months in French oak barrels (35–50% new, depending on the vintage).
• White wines — Gentle whole-cluster pressing, fermentation and ageing on fine lees in barrels with regular bâtonnage. Aged for 16 to 18 months, about 35% in new oak.

Two Treasures of Graves

Domaine de Chevalier Rouge

(Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) — a racy, velvety structure with chiselled tannins, aromas of black fruit, sweet spice, graphite, and blond tobacco. A straight, saline finish. Aging potential: 15 to 30 years or more in top vintages.

Domaine de Chevalier Blanc

(70% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sémillon) — crystalline purity, fresh citrus, white flowers, flint, remarkable mineral tension. This wine ranks among the greatest dry whites in the world, capable of aging harmoniously for 20 years or more.

Second Wine — Esprit de Chevalier

Made from young vines and specific selections, Esprit de Chevalier offers a more approachable, expressive interpretation of the estate’s style while maintaining the same precision and high standards.

A Team United Around Precision

The estate is led by Olivier Bernard, alongside Adrien Bernard. Red vinifications benefit from the expertise of Stéphane Derenoncourt, ensuring a delicate balance between power and finesse.

Technical Information

• Annual production: 84,000 bottles
• Total surface area: 67 ha (30 ha currently in red wine production)
• Grape varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
• Top vintages: 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 1978
• Aging potential: 15–30 years for reds, up to 25 years for whites

Domaine de Chevalier embodies a rare alliance of strength and elegance, precision and depth. The reds stand out for their classical Bordeaux structure, enriched with silky texture and a persistent saline finish. The whites display vibrant tension and remarkable aromatic complexity, ranking among the finest wines in the world.