2022 Olivier
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2022 Olivier has a fragrant, earthy nose with ample black fruit mixed with light sous-bois aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins on the entry, quite classical in style, very Graves-like, with a more austere finish than I found 12 months ago. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Black cherries, smoked earth, leather, and graphite all emerge from the 2022 Château Olivier, a concentrated, rich, medium to full-bodied 2022 that has building tannins, solid mid-palate depth and richness, and a great finish. Give it a few years for the tannins to round into form, and this beauty will cruise over the following 15-20 years.
The 2022 Olivier has held onto its attractive bouquet, with an expressive mixture of blackberry and blueberry fruit, iris flower and hints of black olive. There is a sense of brightness. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, brimming with energy and tension. It builds toward a structured and revivifying sapid finish that begs you back for more. This is an excellent Château Olivier.
Fine aromas of herbs and currant leaves lend freshness to this wine from a hot, sunny vintage. Surprisingly scented and complex on the nose, showing spiced cherries, plums and a touch of cedar. Firm and juicy on the palate, with a medium to full body and a very long, tight-grained finish without chewiness. Nicely fluid in the middle, but refined. Drink from 2027.
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.