2023 Olivier
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Tasting notes
Currants, ripe cherries, graphite, spicy oak, and mineral nuances all define the 2023 Château Olivier, a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot raised in 60% new oak with the balance in second-fill barrels. It's deep purple-hued, medium-bodied, and textured on the palate, with integrated acidity, a round, supple mouthfeel, and a good finish. Drink this charming Pessac-Léognan over the coming 15+ years. Drink 2026-2041.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Olivier turned out well. It offers up copious dark fruit, new leather, gravel, incense and dried herbs. The tannins are a bit burly; there's no getting around that, but the 2023 has enough depth to drink well for another decade or so.
The 2023 Olivier has a refined and classy bouquet with pure blackberry and wild strawberry scents, black olive and light marine notes emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with quite brisk and rigid tannins at first, but it mellows toward the second half with black plum and allspice notes. Quite dense for a 2023, I reckon this could be a long-term runner.
This is really refined and polished, with blackberry, currant and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and crispy, with fine tannins and a bright finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
About the producer
Ch. Olivier is one of the few actual castles in Bordeaux – coming with a moat and drawbridge. Since Alexandre de Bethmann took over here in 2012, the château has been given a new lease of life, with quality on the rise.