Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2019 - Grand Cru Classé de Graves (Magnum)

This magnificent estate on the outskirts of Bordeaux has managed to preserve, in addition to its 55-hectare vineyard, a large portion of forests and meadows. In the early 2000s, the Bethmann family undertook major renovations and entrusted the management of the estate to Laurent Lebrun. His meticulous approach and keen analysis of the terroir have led to a significant leap in the quality of the wines. The white wine, which traditionally contains a good proportion of Sémillon, has become complex and elegant, with a well-defined personality; the 2017 vintage truly impressed us. The reds, now vinified much more skillfully, express their excellent terroir with greater precision; they are expressive and energetic.

 

In just ten years, this Graves cru classé has undergone one of the appellation’s most significant transformations. Under the leadership of Laurent Lebrun, the wines have reached an excellent standard, and the commitment of Alexandre de Bethmann, the owner, is undeniable. He has invested significant financial resources to restructure the vineyard. It must be said that this estate is absolutely magnificent! Nestled in the middle of a wooded area, it sits on a gravel terroir atop a splendid, well-ventilated hilltop—ideal for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The most recent vintages bear witness to this new momentum.

Tobacco, blackcurrant, and minerality. Hints of ash, too. Full-bodied with very polished, juicy tannins that are firm. A wonderful finish. Give it three or four years to come together.

The nose, with its understated elegance, reveals soft citrus fruit aromas. The palate, with its vibrant energy, displays great aromatic expressiveness, delivering layers of varied flavors—from fruity notes to mineral notes. Full of presence and panache.

Olivier’s signature style was already evident during the en primeur tasting. It remains delicate and elegant, with aromas of red berries followed by a hint of mint. Its rich and velvety character on the palate makes it very approachable, and its acidic structure adds a pleasant freshness. An elegant and flavorful wine.

The nose is fruity and offers a certain refined power, a fine texture, and a refined intensity. It features notes of juicy blackberry, juicy raspberry, and, more subtly, fleshy red berries, combined with subtle hints of violet, zan, refined minerality, as well as a delicate hint of almost violet-colored berries and a touch of spice. The palate is fruity, balanced, and refined, offering elegance, a lovely tart structure, good definition, and a touch of richness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of plump, juicy blackberry, plump, juicy raspberry, and, to a lesser extent, vibrant red berries, combined with a hint of plump cherry, violet, and licorice, as well as subtle hints of cardamom and a discreet hint of vanilla. The tannins are precise, refined, and elegant. There is a very subtle hint of toast and coffee in the background. Good length.

This is a superb vintage for Château Olivier. Rich, silky, velvety, and refined, the fruit tastes as good as it smells on the palate. Elegant, fresh, and pure, it offers length, energy, and complexity, with a fabulous sensation of richness on the palate that carries through to the finish. Give it a few years in the cellar, and it should really start to shine.