L'Esprit de Chevalier 2024

Fresh, slightly herbal nose with red cherry, blackcurrant and a subtle roasted note; on the palate, approachable, soft, with fine, not overpowering tannins, balanced, with a fruity finish. Enjoy young, for its fruit.

Lightly presented, this has purity and clarity but is a touch sour and a little lacking in structure, with a tapering of fruit flavour and some wet-stone, graphite-laced tannins and accents on the finish. It leans nicely into the vintage, with no heavy-handedness, and should be a soft yet bright wine after ageing.

Cigar box, cocoa, black raspberries, and currants fill the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, crisp, racy, and vibrant, with a focus on its peppery notes, currants, and red plums on the mid-palate, as well as on the finish. I like the touch of mint that refreshes the palate and shows up on the finish. You can enjoy this upon release. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 12.4% ABV. Drink from 2027-2037. 90-92 pts

The bouquet of Esprit de Chevalier shows great clarity and definition. The precision suggested on the nose is faithfully echoed on the palate. The wine is sleek, elegant, and perfectly balanced. A refreshing wine to enjoy in its youth.

Plenty of impact, clear from the first nose, this is a little slim and savoury, rose bud and cassis bud, enjoyable if skirting ripeness. 30% new oak for ageing, harvest 20 September to 8 October. 3.61 pH. 48 hl/ha yield.