Red currants, red cherries and a splash of white pepper, paprika and stones. Juicy and composed, with elegant red berries and soft, silky tannins. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot and 5% petit verdot. Shows some nice length. Lovely early appeal. Drink now or hold.

The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc aged for 14 months in barrels, reveals a toasty, spicy bouquet with aromas of sweet berries, nuts, nicely integrated oak and smoke. Medium-bodied, juicy and well-balanced, it's layered with structured tannins, a fleshy core of fruit and a fresh, vibrant finish.

The 2021 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a harmonious and pure bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberry, mint and light graphite scents, that oyster shell tincture noted from barrel emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and fine depth, but maybe it just pulls up a little short on the finish. Nonetheless, this is still a very commendable.