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CHÂTEAU OLIVIER 2018 CRU CLASSE DE GRAVES
WINE TASTING NOTES
Video with Chateau to come
ABOUT THE WINE
Appellation | Pessac-Léognan
Classification | Cru Classé de Graves
Grape | 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon
Ageing | 12 months in barrels
Tasting Notes | Aromatic wine balanced with citrus. The wine has minerality and toasted nature. With more age, the minerality and creaminess of the flavours will come through
Pairing | Seafood, Asian foods and risotto. Personal favourite from the Chateau is a Monk Fish Curry
Drinking | 2021-2040
Critic Notes / Awards | 92/100 Jeffe Leve, 17/20 Vinum Wine Magazine
ABOUT THE CHÂTEAU
Chateau Olivier is in contention for one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux. Bordeaux wine historians believe the estate dates back as far as the 11th century. Some ancient remnants of the original buildings can be seen close to the east pavilion on the lower portions of the property.
Those ancient beginnings are how Chateau Olivier is actually one of the few castles in the Bordeaux region. There is even a moat and drawbridge as well. Chateau Olivier is worth the trip to see.
The next era for Chateau Olivier came into being like many of the top Bordeaux chateau, through marriage and a dowry. In 1663, Pierre Penel, the Baron of La Brede married Marie de Lasserre. She was the daughter of the lord of Olivier. Her dowry was the vineyard that we know of today as Chateau Olivier.
In 1882, there was a catastrophic fire and Chateau Olivier needed to be rebuilt. The new owners chose a Troubadour style, which was unique for not only Graves, but in Bordeaux as well. In 1867, Chateau Olivier was purchased by the mayor of Bordeaux, Alexandre de Bethmann. The de Bethmann family, which has their ancestral roots in Germany, own a very large banking operation, Bethmann Bank.
Chateau Olivier was not the families first foray into owning a Bordeaux vineyard, at one point in time, they also owned Chateau Gruaud Larose in St. Julien. Chateau Olivier continues to remain the hands of the de Bethmann family today.
Almost a century later, Chateau Olivier was officially listed as one of Gironde’s Sites Pittoresques and became a protected structure. In 1953, the chateau, its outbuildings, moat and fountains, were all classified as historic monuments.
For a period of time, the negociant firm of Eschenhauer managed the wine making and sales, under a lease agreement which was terminated in 1981. Jean-Jacques de Bethmann managed Chateau Olivier until July, 2012, when he passes away. He was ably succeeded by his son, American born and educated, Alexandre de Bethmann, who has overseen a noticeable increase in quality, especially in their white wines
Soils: Clay-limestone and gravel soil
Farming: Hand harvested
Vines: On average 30 years of age