Review: Chateau Olivier 2010 Blanc GCC
- vinterest
- Feb 22, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Chateau Olivier is another renowned Pessac Leognan estate with a rich history dating back to the 12th century (wine was produced there from the 1850s onward). This is the 2nd Pessac Leognan blanc we have recently opened alongside the Espirit de Chevalier. The de Bethmann family have been tending this 200 ha estate (50 ha under vine) for the last 100+ years.
Pessac Leognan is one of the rare Bordeaux AOPs that produce fine red and white wines. The appellation is located between the Garonne river and a pine tree forest. The trees assist in creating the unique, micro climate of the commune by protecting the vines from humidity and wind. The AOP was spun out of Graves in 1987, relatively recently for Bordeaux. Essentially this came about through pressure from Pessac Leognan growers who wished to disassociate themselves from growers with predominately sandy soils further south in Graves.
The blend is 75% sauvignon blanc, 23% semillon and 2% muscadelle, unlike the almost 50/50 SSB of the Espirit de Chevalier. 12 ha of the 50 ha under vine are dedicated to their white blend producing 6,000 cases a year.
We picked this up in London for GBP 20.
The take: A pale, golden color, very transparent. A herby, gamey nose: hints of pencil shavings. Some fruit too: lychee and passionfuit. A fruity attack, banana perhaps, underlied by an attractive, oak forward structure. Creamy, hints of effervescence; burnt sugar; passionfruit. A thick, syrup-like finish.
In closing: Good depth, varied flavours, love this
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Pessac-Leognan (AOC) Grand Cru Classe
Producer: Chateau Olivier
Vintage: 2010
Grape: Sauvignon blanc, semillon, muscadelle
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid-range
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