2020 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Léognan

An expressive and yet tightly defined nose here, combining lightly mineral sandy veins with a sweet core of pithy citrus fruits, the fruit evidently concentrated and delicately dried, a little quietly spoken on the first sample tasted in London, but certainly more eager and expressive when tasted at the château. The palate follows on in this rather focused and concentrated style, with a sinewy presence, with pressed orange, lemon peel and white pepper nuances, wrapped up in an attractive, vinous presence, with fine-boned mineral undercurrents, but also a confident balanced acidity which puts this above many of its peers. Deliciously balanced and cool, with good grippy phenolics, this is excellent. Top work from Oliver Bernard, family and team.

Round with a soft medicinal, herbal element and toasted spice framing the lemon, lime, elderflower, pear and peach fruit with a core of salty, wet stones. Bitter, sweet and acidic - all the elements melding together harmoniously with an appealing weight. I like the overall sleek and crisp expression, feels well worked and well structured. A great buy. (GH)