Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan rouge 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

In addition to its 55-hectare vineyard, this magnificent estate on the outskirts of Bordeaux has preserved a large part of its forests and meadows. In the early 2000s, the Bethmann family undertook major renovations and entrusted management of the estate to Laurent Lebrun. His rigor and fine analysis of the terroir have led to a quantum leap in the quality of the wines. The white wine, which traditionally contains a good proportion of Semillon, has become complex and elegant, with a well-asserted personality; the 2017 bluffed us. The reds, much better vinified, express their excellent terroir with greater precision, and are expressive and energetic.

Decanter

About the wine:

With inky depth, this is one of the most concentrated Château Olivier wines I've seen in terms of color. It hangs well from the start and isn't afraid to unfurl its tannins. It's not exuberant, but it has plenty of flavor. I recommend giving it 6-8 years to soften, but it shows confidence and depth of flavor. Spicy notes of black pepper and licorice, great quality in fact. A little bitter on the finish, as I find with many wines, as the concentration takes over on the finish. Nevertheless, I recommend it. 2028 - 2040

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the domain :

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

About the wine:

The composition of this great wine is balanced between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's the first grape variety to make 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 woods and rose... The palate is fine, satiny, full-bodied without being overpowering. Balance and distinction are evident, even if the warmth of the vintage is still perceptible.

About the domain :

In just ten years, this Graves cru classé has undergone one of the most important changes in the appellation. Under the impetus of Laurent Lebrun, the wines have reached an excellent level, and the commitment of Alexandre de Bethmann, the owner, is undeniable. He has mobilized considerable financial resources to restructure the vineyard. It has to be said that this property is absolutely magnificent! Nestled in the middle of a wooded area, it rests on a gravelly terroir set on a splendid, well-ventilated hilltop, ideal for producing great Cabernet Sauvignon. The latest vintages produced bear witness to this new dynamic.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

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

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

The wine exudes intense, pure, agile 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 freshness, digestibility and a gourmet finish. Between 2023 and 2053.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The rather subtle nose is currently a little on the back burner, but still delivers very ripe, dark berry aromas. Already seductive and suave, the palate is a little less dense than the previous vintage. The finish is pleasant, with a hint of redcurrant jelly. Still elegant.

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity, well conducted and offers a certain greediness, a little power and a chiselled side. There are notes of lemon, fresh lychee and, to a lesser extent, fleshy/granular apple, combined with hints of mandarin orange, 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 and balanced, with juiciness, smoothness, acidity, a chiselled edge, a certain fatness, roundness, juiciness, tension, energy and a slight tightness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy apple, bright vine peach and, more lightly, mandarin orange, combined with hints of tart kumquat, lemon, fine hints of passion fruit, carambola and white flowers, as well as discreet hints of racy minerality and a subtle touch of toastiness. Good length. Presence of a very discreet hint of fresh hazelnut and an imperceptible, almost buttery hint/nut butter on the finish/persistence.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Dark purple color with violet highlights and black core. Very elegant nose of ripe dark berries, plums and cherries, with hints of oriental spices and discreet 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.