Overview
At the heart of a vast estate containing forests, prairies, and vines, Château Olivier sits on a clearing emerging from the woods. Its beautiful architecture, its bodies of water, and the quality of its annex buildings all add up to make an exceptional site in natural surroundings, situated only eleven kilometers from the town of Bordeaux.
History
Olivier is a very old seigniory, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is said that the Black Prince enjoyed coming here to hunt, as the surrounding forests were so well-stocked with game. Since the 19th century, the estate has belonged to an old Bordeaux family called the Bethmanns. Château Olivier wines received official classification in 1953, for both red and white varieties. In 1867, Alexandre de Bethmann was elected mayor of Bordeaux, then his family acquired Château Olivier, which is still managed today by one of his descendants. Nowadays, the Bethmann family is continuing their work at Olivier. Over the last few years, the vineyards of Château Olivier have seen considerable work and investment. It has entrusted the estate’s general management to Laurent Lebrun, an agronomist and winemaker. Together with Philippe Stoeckle (technical director), Marie France Hairon (administrative and financial manager), and Estelle Mirieu de Labarre (sales and marketing), this forms a competent and passionate team.
Red Grapes Varieties: 60% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
White Grapes Varieties: 78% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sémillon, 2% Muscadelle
Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé de Graves
Terroir: Château Olivier is endowed with the rare characteristic of having terroirs which are equally excellent for red and white wines. Across 55 hectares of gravelly terroir over a clay and limestone base, six different grape varieties are grown. An extremely precise geological survey revealed new potential for this terroir, and recent planting has allowed the vineyard to return to its former metes and bounds of the 18th century.
Average Age of the Vines: 25 years
Plant Density: 8-10,000/Ha
Grape Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Vinification: Vinified in temperature controlled, stainless-steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank.
Aging: The wines of Chateau Olivier are aged in an average of 30% new French oak barrels for between 12 and 14 months.
Winemaker Notes: “This wonderful vintage opens with an already complex bouquet that marries together woody, licorice and tobacco notes. With unusually soft and smooth tannins, this is a wine to be chewed on like a fruity sweet, its aromas invading the entire palate. This wine combines power, and smooth tannins, this is a wine to be chewed on like a fruity sweet, its aromas invading the entire palate. This wine combines power, elegance and length to enchant those who taste it. An excellent wine to be put down for aging.”
Le Dauphin d'Olivier
Overview: Le Dauphin d’Olivier is the second wine of Chateau Olivier
Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (majority Merlot)
Average Age of the Vines: 25 years
Plant Density: 8-10,000 vines/ha
Vinification: Vinified in temperature controlled, stainless-steel vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank.
Aging: The wines of Chateau Olivier are aged in an average of 30% new French oak barrels for between 12 and 14 months.
Tasting Notes: Beautiful deep violet color. The nose is very expressive with red fruit and blackberry notes. On the palate, there is an aromatic freshness, roundness, and lingering spicy, toasted notes. The tannins are well integrated and elegant, and also suggest a good aging potential.