Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

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 vibrant.

Decanter

About the wine:

With its inky depth, this is one of the most concentrated Château Olivier wines I’ve seen in terms of color. It’s well-structured from the start and isn’t shy about showcasing its tannins. It isn’t exuberant, but it’s full of flavor. I recommend letting it age for 6 to 8 years to mellow, but it already displays confidence and depth of flavor. Spicy notes of black pepper and licorice—truly top-notch. A bit of bitterness on the finish, as I’ve noticed with several wines, because the concentration overpowers 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 the wine:

The blend of this great wine strikes a balance between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is the former that leaves its mark on the blend, with great class. An interesting improvement over last year. A smoky note enhances the aromatic profile, accompanied by notes of precious wood and rose… On the palate, it is refined, silky, and full-bodied without being overly robust. The balance and distinction are evident, even though the warmth of the vintage remains noticeable.

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 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 is built on a gravel terroir situated on a splendid, well-ventilated hilltop—ideal for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The most recent vintages bear witness to this new momentum.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Sample tasted from the barrel. This estate, with its château and water-filled moat, produces excellent wines. This latest vintage displays both power and density, with concentrated blackberry flavors. The wine will need time before it reaches full maturity.

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

The wine exudes intense, pure, and lively notes of fresh red fruit, along with a herbal freshness—it’s almost as if you can see the forest rising up around the vineyards. On the palate, it has impressive body—round and velvety, yet well-balanced—with lovely freshness, an easy-drinking quality, and a delicious finish. Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2053.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The nose is quite subtle and currently a bit reserved, yet still reveals aromas of very ripe black berries. Already alluring and smooth on the palate, the body is slightly less dense than in the previous vintage. The finish is pleasant, with a hint of red currant jelly. As always, elegant.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity, well-structured, and offers a certain richness, a touch of power, and a refined quality. It features notes of lemon, fresh lychee, and, more subtly, a fleshy/grainy apple, combined with hints of mandarin, fresh yellow berries, hints of white flowers, as well as subtle hints of citrus zest, refined minerality, and an imperceptible hint of pepper (in the background). On the palate, it is fruity and balanced, offering juiciness, smoothness, a tangy structure, a refined character, a certain richness, roundness, juiciness, tension, energy, and a slight tightness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy, juicy apple, vibrant vine peach, and, more subtly, mandarin, combined with hints of tart kumquat, lemon, subtle hints of passion fruit, star fruit, and 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 or hazelnut butter note on the finish and in the aftertaste.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

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