Vinous (98)

Dark medium red. Ineffable nose combines tight, wild red berries, musky animal nuances and a hint of torrefaction, enlivened by hint notes of wild mint and white pepper. Densely packed and chewy; a distinctly masculine wine with outstanding intensity and underlying structure. And yet the texture is silky too. This utterly palate-saturating wine finishes with explosive rising notes of red berries, game, licorice, pepper, mint and saline minerality and great perfumed persistence. The crop level from these old vines and small berries was between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare, as Bernstein routinely does multiple green harvests here to ensure that the clusters finish at roughly the same level of potential alcohol. Incidentally, Bernstein attempted to ensure freshness in his 2015s by using 80% whole clusters to balance the ripeness of the fruit.

The Olivier 1998 is a remarkable Bordeaux blend from Pessac-Léognan, crafted by legendary wine producer, Château Olivier. Boasting an immaculate reputation for centuries-old savoir-faire, the Château presents a wine that beautifully encapsulates the richness of the 1998 vintage.

Crafting this élite blend involved meticulous vinification processes, including a scrupulous selection of grapes and a long, traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The result is an elegant wine with a harmonious structure, enlivened by complex layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice, and subtle wood.

The matured Olivier 1998 mesmerises with its deep garnet hue, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. On the nose, pleasing undertones of cassis, earth, cedar, and tobacco unfold. On the palate, an enchanting blend of red berries and earthy flavours linger. Perfect for the discerning vinophile, the Olivier 1998 truly represents the grandeur of French viticulture.

The Olivier 1998 is a remarkable Bordeaux blend from Pessac-Léognan, crafted by legendary wine producer, Château Olivier. Boasting an immaculate reputation for centuries-old savoir-faire, the Château presents a wine that beautifully encapsulates the richness of the 1998 vintage.

Crafting this élite blend involved meticulous vinification processes, including a scrupulous selection of grapes and a long, traditional fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The result is an elegant wine with a harmonious structure, enlivened by complex layers of ripe fruit, gentle spice, and subtle wood.

The matured Olivier 1998 mesmerises with its deep garnet hue, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. On the nose, pleasing undertones of cassis, earth, cedar, and tobacco unfold. On the palate, an enchanting blend of red berries and earthy flavours linger. Perfect for the discerning vinophile, the Olivier 1998 truly represents the grandeur of French viticulture.

Savour the essence of the famed Bordeaux region with the Olivier 2007. This fine red wine, masterfully crafted by the reputable producer, Château Olivier, epitomises the quintessence of Pessac-Léognan appellation. The Olivier 2007 is a sublime blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. The pain-staking precision in selecting the very best harvest coupled with traditional vinification methods make this fine wine truly stand out.

The beautiful garnet hue encapsulates the complex aromas of ripe fruit, spices and a touch of smoke. On the palate, the Olivier 2007 offers remarkable balance between the succulent fruit undertones and a robust tannic framework, culminating into a satisfyingly prolonged finish. This vintage truly emanates the terroir's remarkable potential, elevated by the exceptional savoir-faire of the wine-making team.

Open early, the Olivier 2007 is best decanted to allow the vibrant notes to unfurl elegantly. Ideal for special occasions, this distinctive wine surely warrants savoring.

Wine Enthusiast (92)

91-93 Barrel sample. Tasting through the initial tannins, this wine reveals ripe, blackberry jelly fruits. There is richness in the structure and density, perhaps less of the vintage's freshness.

Wine Spectator (89-92)

Good bright violet, plum pit, cherry preserve and red currant paste notes all mingle here, with a lightly briary edge on the finish and nice energy overall. Has good grip in reserve, too. Score range: 89-92 -JM

Vinous - Neal Martin (91)

The 2014 Olivier has an understated bouquet with cedar and tobacco scents, bay leaf and a hint of black tea. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, clean and pure, nicely integrated new oak with a touch of cedar and mint towards the finish. This is a well-crafted wine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

This estate is showing a further impressive leap in quality in this vintage. It is solid, dense with great concentrated blackberry fruits and superb acidity. Expect this wine to last many decades.

Decanter (92)

This is one of the more finessed and well expressed examples of powerful cassis and blackberry fruits in 2017. I love the sense of energy and juice that sits beneath the fruit - again, not something that you are seeing everywhere. A good job from Olivier, even if it hasn't quite reached the heights of 2015 and 2016. Very satisfying, and should develop nicely over next few years.

Wine Enthusiast (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.

Wine Enthusiast (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.

Wine Enthusiast (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.

James Suckling (93-94)

A red with depth and focus, showing blackberries, chocolate and black olives. Some smoky undertones. Some fresh herbs, too. It’s full-bodied, round and polished. Better than the 2018.

James Suckling (93-94)

A red with depth and focus, showing blackberries, chocolate and black olives. Some smoky undertones. Some fresh herbs, too. It’s full-bodied, round and polished. Better than the 2018.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

Very deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Olivier offers vibrant notions of wild blueberries, blackberry preserves and cassis, plus hints of clove oil, cinnamon stick and tree bark, with a waft of dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with soft tannins and seamless freshness supporting the restrained black and blue fruit flavors, finishing earthy.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

Very deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Olivier offers vibrant notions of wild blueberries, blackberry preserves and cassis, plus hints of clove oil, cinnamon stick and tree bark, with a waft of dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with soft tannins and seamless freshness supporting the restrained black and blue fruit flavors, finishing earthy.

Wine Advocate (91-93)

Very deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Olivier offers vibrant notions of wild blueberries, blackberry preserves and cassis, plus hints of clove oil, cinnamon stick and tree bark, with a waft of dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with soft tannins and seamless freshness supporting the restrained black and blue fruit flavors, finishing earthy.

Decanter (93)

Lovely nose of sour cherry, caramel, roses and blackcurrants; so expressive. Dense and chewy fruit on the palate - this has a succulence and sweet softness which is appealing. It's lightly framed, not dense or weighty but has excellent clarity and precision: clear, linear with tension and drive. It's focused and all in one stream right now but I love the juiciness, the texture and the minerality. Will be good to see how the ageing expands the palate. A clear Pessac success in the vintage.

Decanter (93)

Lovely nose of sour cherry, caramel, roses and blackcurrants; so expressive. Dense and chewy fruit on the palate - this has a succulence and sweet softness which is appealing. It's lightly framed, not dense or weighty but has excellent clarity and precision: clear, linear with tension and drive. It's focused and all in one stream right now but I love the juiciness, the texture and the minerality. Will be good to see how the ageing expands the palate. A clear Pessac success in the vintage.