| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Now opening up beautifully, Esprit de Chevalier 2020 has a succulent nose of red and black fruits laced with a touch of incense and nutmeg. The palate has the vintage's directness but an easy, softer structure. As a result the fruit has a sheen and generosity, leading the palate with ample black cherry fruit. There is a light earthiness and dusting of sweet charred wood, but this is all about the fruit. The tannins play a supporting role but are pliant, melting into the fruit. You can absolutely drink this now, and it will doubtless continue to drink well over the coming 5-8 years.
The 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tad too much wood influence on the nose, but there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy, lively and detailed, with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is another delicious, classically styled Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2026 - 2042
The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2033)
