Domaine de Chevalier's vineyards in the Pessac-Léognan region of Bordeaux
From Domaine de Chevalier’s Olivier Bernard and renowned oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt comes this incredible, value-priced Bordeaux label that overdelivers in the bang-for-your-buck category—in both red and white!
While the first and second growth Bordeaux properties get most of the spotlight, those of us who work in the industry have our own little secrets, and having spent the last decade traveling to France, attending trade tastings, and visiting the properties themselves, I can tell you with certainty that Domaine de Chevalier is the darling of the wine business. Year in and year out, the wines overdeliver for the dollar and—while not inexpensive—both the red and white are still within reach for a special occasion.
Looking to create a more approachable wine for the everyday drinker, Domaine de Chevalier's Oliver Bernard teamed up with Stéphane Derenoncourt to create the Clos de Lunes label, and the Petit Lune is the entry level label that has the sommeliers buzzing and the wine geeks hoarding cases to their cellars. Made by two of the best winemakers in Bordeaux, the value proposition here is insane.
But you don't have to take my word for it; check out the scores.
2018 Clos Des Lunes La Petit Lune Bordeaux Rouge $11.99:
92 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - A ripe, pretty red with blackberry, dried-tobacco and seaweed aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a delicious finish already.
MISSION NOTES: From Domaine de Chevalier’s Olivier Bernard and renowned oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt comes this incredible, value-priced Bordeaux label that overdelivers in the bang-for-your-buck category. A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, you still get the minerality associated with Chevalier, albeit in a juicier, more approachable package. Softer and rounder on the palate than its bigger brother, this is weeknight Bordeaux at its absolute best.
2018 Clos Des Lunes La Petit Lune Bordeaux Blanc $11.99:
90 POINTS: WINE ENTHUSIAST - This rich wine is produced by the winemaking team of Domaine de Chevalier. With a predominance of Sémillon, it is packed with white fruits, accented by hints of honey and toast. A fresh streak goes with the richness and the wine is now ready to drink. -Roger Voss
MISSION NOTES: From Domaine de Chevalier’s Olivier Bernard and renowned oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt comes this incredible, value-priced Bordeaux label that overdelivers in the bang-for-your-buck category. A blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Semillon, there's a richness of fruit coupled with a racy acidity that provides weight with refreshment in every sip. For fans of the Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (one of the most renowned white wines in the world), this is a baby version that you can afford to drink young, and on a Tuesday night, without breaking the bank.
-David Driscoll