Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This magnificent property on the outskirts of Bordeaux has managed to preserve, in addition to its 55-hectare vineyard, a large area of forests and meadows. In the early 2000s, the Bethmann family carried out major work and entrusted the management of the estate to Laurent Lebrun. His rigor and keen analysis of the terroir have led to a significant improvement in the quality of the wines. The white wine, which traditionally contains a good proportion of Sémillon, has become complex and elegant, with a strong personality. The 2017 vintage blew us away. The reds, which are much better vinified, express their excellent terroir with greater precision. They are expressive and energetic.

Decanter

About wine:

With its deep color, this is one of the most concentrated Château Olivier wines I have seen in terms of color. It has good grip from the outset and is not afraid to show its tannins. It is not exuberant, but it has a lot of flavor. I recommend giving it 6 to 8 years to soften, but it shows confidence and depth of flavor. Spicy notes of black pepper and licorice, of high quality in fact. A little bitterness on the finish, as I find with many wines, because the concentration takes over on the finish. However, I recommend it. 2028-2040

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

The composition of this great wine is balanced between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is the former grape variety that leaves its mark on the blend, with great class. An interesting crescendo compared to last year. A smoky note enhances the aromatic spectrum, accompanied by precious wood and rose... The palate is fine, satiny, full-bodied without being overly heavy. The balance and distinction are evident, even if the warmth of the vintage remains perceptible.

About the estate:

In just ten years, this Graves cru classé has undergone one of the most significant transformations in the appellation. Under the leadership of Laurent Lebrun, the wines have reached an excellent level, and the commitment of Alexandre de Bethmann, the owner, is undeniable. The latter has mobilized significant financial resources to restructure the vineyard. It must be said that this property is absolutely magnificent! Nestled in the middle of a wooded area, it is based on a gravelly terroir located on a splendid, well-ventilated hilltop, ideal for producing very fine Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The latest vintages produced are testament to this new dynamic.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

Sample tasted in barrels. This estate, with its château and moat surrounded by water, produces very good wines. This latest vintage shows both power and density with concentrated blackberry flavors. The wine will need time to reach maturity.

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

The wine exudes intense, pure, and lively notes of fresh red fruit, as well as a vegetal freshness, and you can almost see the forest rising up around the vines. The palate is impressively full-bodied, round, and velvety, yet balanced, with a lovely freshness, easy to drink, and a delicious finish. Between 2023 and 2053.

Terre de Vins

About wine:

The fairly subtle nose is currently a little reserved, but still delivers aromas of very ripe black berries. Already seductive and smooth, the palate offers a density that is slightly less pronounced than the previous vintage. The finish is pleasant with a note of redcurrant jelly. Still elegant.

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fruity, well-balanced and offers a certain richness, a little power and a chiseled side. There are notes of lemon, fresh lychee and, more subtly, fleshy/grainy apple, combined with hints of mandarin, fresh yellow berries, white flowers and discreet hints of zest, racy minerality and an imperceptible hint of pepper (in the background). The palate is fruity, balanced and offers juiciness, smoothness, a tangy structure, a chiseled side, a certain richness, roundness, juiciness, tension, energy and a slightly tight side. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy apple, bright vine peach and, more subtly, mandarin orange, combined with hints of tart kumquat, lemon, subtle hints of passion fruit, star fruit, white flowers, as well as subtle hints of refined minerality and a subtle hint of toast. Good length. There is a very subtle hint of fresh hazelnut and an imperceptible, almost buttery/hazelnut butter note on the finish/persistence.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. Very elegant nose of ripe black berries, plums, and cherries, with notes of oriental spices and subtle smoky notes in the background. The palate is well-structured with ripe tannins, lots of freshness, and great depth of flavor. A wonderful wine with excellent length.