Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2018

One of the whites of the vintage is the 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, which is both powerful and fresh in the vintage. Crushed citrus, tart melon, lemon curd, and crushed rock-like minerality all give way to a pure, full-bodied dry white that has integrated acidity and a great, great finish. A blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon that will spend 18 months in 35% new French oak, it’s going to be relatively accessible in its youth (unlike the 2015) yet should age beautifully.

(75 Sauvignon Blanc, 25 Semillon) This is one of the most balanced white wines of the vintage and it is neither too oaky, nor is it too oily. There is depth of fruit here but it is calm, smooth, layered and there is lovely acidity on the finish.

The 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has opened up since I tasted it from barrel; this half-bottle was allowed 30–45 minutes to open. It has a little more zip on the nose, the orchard fruit and touches of black currant and orange pith bursting from the glass. The palate is finely tuned with a superb bead of acidity, and more citric than the nose, still with that energy and tension and a light tang of marmalade and lemongrass toward the finish. While I maintain that it is not the best Domaine de Chevalier Blanc that I have ever encountered, it has gained more personality during its maturation and it should drink well for 20-plus years. 2023 - 2040

The 2018 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc has a tightly-wound bouquet with granite/limestone aromas infusing the malic, apply fruit. It is more austere than other vintages I have tasted over the last 30 years (which is all of them.) The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and energetic with good depth towards the lightly spiced, marmalade-tinged finish. This gets better as it goes along. No, not the greatest Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, but it seems to be improving during its élevage. Drink 2023-2040.

This is dense and very structured with phenolic tension and depth. Full-bodied, lightly phenolic with sliced apples, cooked pears and lemons. Lively and intense. Solid as a rock. This is one to watch.

The Domaine de Chevalier 2018 Blanc, a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, slowly reveals beguiling scents of lemongrass, lime leaves, fresh grapefruit, allspice and ginger with a core of fresh lemon and grapefruit. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bold citrus and spice layers with fantastic tension and a chalky finish. Aging on lees in barriques, 35% new, is anticipated to go for 16 months.