2018 Chateau Olivier Pessac-Leognan Rouge

  • Grand Cru Classé Classified
  • 95 Point Wine Enthusiast
  • Family-Owned for Over a Century
  • 96 Point Vintage, Wine Spectator
  • Free Shipping on 6 Bottles or More 

About the Wine

Château Olivier is classified as Grand Cru Classé in both red and white in the Classification of Graves Wines of 1953. In this Classification, 16 Châteaux of the region are listed, Including the Château Haut-Brion. Olivier is a very old seigniory, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is said that the Black Prince enjoyed coming here to hunt, as the surrounding forests were so well-stocked in game. Since the 19th century, the estate has belonged to an old Bordeaux family in the shape of the Bethmanns. With the power and structure that 2018 brought to the vineyards and the incredible terroirs that produce these grapes, this wine is built to last.

Located just 6 miles from the charming city of Bordeaux and with more than 135 acres of vineyard planted in soils composed of gravel on a clay and limestone base, Château Olivier has a perfect terroir for both red and white wines. In charge of agronomy and winemaking is Laurent Lebrun, who has worked on important wine projects both in Australia and France.

Tasting Notes: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Elegant, medium-bodied, and refined, the wine focuses on its tobacco leaf, crème de cassis, and floral profile, and the silky, fresh textural experience. Pair this wine with chicken, veal, and cheese.

Reviews

94–96. Barrel Sample. This is a firmly structured wine with powerful tannins that contrast with the intense acidity and ripe black-currant flavor. It has a smoky edge and a hint of pepper. The future is good for this wine.  ~95 Points, Wine Enthusiast.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Olivier has a wonderfully intense perfume of kirsch, Black Forest cake, black raspberries, and cassis, with suggestions of red roses, pencil shavings, and underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe, expressive black and red berry layers, supported by finely grained tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with great length and purity. – 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

A beautiful, tight young wine, yet it delivers plenty of plum, chocolate, walnut and forest-floor character. It’s full-bodied but so poised and refined. Nicely crafted. ~93 Points, James Suckling.

Lovely dark plum color and rich texture. This has clear austerity and is still as discreet as it felt en primeur. Attractive smoke and even slight tar edging; really needs time to soften and show its more inviting fruits. 30% new oak and a yield of 40hl/ha. ~93 Points, Decanter.

Singed applewood and licorice root notes lead the way in this slightly toothy version, with a mix of plum skin, cherry reduction, tar and bramble notes rambling through the finish. Burly now but it's all there; just cellar a bit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2032. 10,000 cases made. ~ 92 Wine Enthusiast

The 2018 Olivier has turned out well. Dark and powerful in the glass, the 2018 is loaded with dark fruit, chocolate, leather, spice, menthol, game and licorice. This burly Pessac-Léognan will drink well at the dinner table. ~91 Points, Vinous Media.

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