Chateau Olivier Rouge 2016

Chateau Olivier as a long history in Bordeaux. The estate began in the 11th century. Parts of the original buildings still exist on the current castle. In fact, Chateau Olivier is one of the few Castles in the Bordeaux area, complete with drawbridge and moat. The name comes from the 14th century owner, the d'Olivey family. Legend as it that Edward the Black Prince enjoyed staying at the castle due it terrific hunting on the estate grounds. The estate passed through many hands over the ages usually through marriages and dowry. Large scale wine making arrived at the Chateau in 1846 when Count Charles-Joseph Maurice d'Etchegoyen owned the estate. In 1867, the mayor of Bordeaux, Alexandre de Bethmann, purchased the estate and it remains under family control to this day.

The estate consists of 220 hectares but only 28 hectares are planted with red wine varieties 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The chateau also consists of vast forests and prairie areas.

Wine Spectator: 92
Fresh and sleek, with plum and black currant fruit that is a touch restrained in style, while light iron, tobacco and black licorice notes line the finish. A singed cedar echo imparts a slight old-school hint, but the fruit is energetic and the acidity fresh. Should be fun to age a bit. Drink now through 2032. 10,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate: 90
The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Olivier features Black Forest cake, kirsch, dried herbs and warm cassis with hints of garrigue, tapenade, forest floor and truffles. Medium-bodied with an elegantly styled palate, it has a solid foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness lifting the long earthy finish.

Decanter: 93
This is tight right now, still extremely young and Cabernet-dominant. You can feel the depth of the fruit, and this will take its time to open. They are really focussing hard on the red wine at this estate, finding its feet, growing its profile and giving it direction. Good quality, though give this a good five years before thinking about opening.

Wine Enthusiast: 95
Dense tannins are balanced by equally rich fruit in this wine. It comes from vines around a medieval, moated castle on the edge of Bordeaux city. The wine is full of ripe, juicy blackberry flavors that circle of core of dryness. Both will allow the wine to age well. Drink from 2025.

James Suckling: 93
A solid column of pretty cool fruit with blackcurrants and stones. Full body, polished and chew tannins and a juicy finish. Hints of asphalt and smoke to the dark fruit at the end. Drink in 2022.