2018 Olivier
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Tasting notes
Preserved-lemon nose with beeswax notes. Full, fleshy body that has richness of fruit without confection. Subtle spiciness. Moderate length that becomes very savoury after a honeyed style of fruitiness, with grapefruit bitterness lingering. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Lightly oxidised nose. A bit fat and flabby. Unappetising. (JR)
The 2018 Olivier appears to have lost that touch of overripeness that I found in barrel and now feels more composed and focused, offering well-defined scents of blackberry, cassis and hints of melted tar and pitted black olive. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a slightly powdery texture and graphite and cracked black pepper toward the finish. It has a classic feel, but I find this quite a sophisticated Olivier than should age well.
Lots of plum, black raspberries, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and earthy notes emerge from the 2018 Château Olivier, and it's medium to full-bodied, ripe, mouth-filling, and fruit-loaded. It could use a touch more finesse and elegance and borders on overripe, but it does have charm and character.
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.