Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 2014

The 2014 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc offers orange blossom, quince and dried honey on the well-defined bouquet. I like the manner in which this unfolds with aeration. The palate is well balanced with great depth, very well judged acidity with just the right amount of salinity and a brisk, focused finish. What an outstanding white from Pessac. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

The 2014 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc comes across as very young and in need of cellaring. Then again, that's the way it is in most vintages with the Blanc. White flowers, mint and orchard fruit are some of the signatures. In 2014, the Blanc is a wine of power, texture and depth, some of which is found in place of the brighter, more citrus-driven character found in other vintages. In 2014, the blend is 70 % Sauvignon Blanc and 30 % Sémillon. Tasted two times.