Red Chateau Olivier 2017

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Olivier offers up floral notes of roses and lavender over tobacco, earth and black olives with a baked plums and kirsch core. The palate is medium-bodied, soft and elegant in the mouth with a perfumed finish.

Ripe and juicy, featuring warmed currant preserve, fig paste and cherry purée flavors, entwined with licorice snap, apple wood, bay leaf and tar notes. Vivid and energetic through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 5,833 cases made.

Sweetness to the fruit on the nose and on the attack, with classic elegance that is well balanced by depth. Again we are in a world very different from the intensity of the 2016, but they have absolutely managed to produce an elegant and extremely classy wine. The tannins keep a tight grip on the finish, and this needs a good five or six years in bottle before being ready to go, but there is juice between the black fruits.

The 2017 Olivier has a slightly austere bouquet compared to its peers: tertiary undergrowth aromas, decayed autumn leaves mixed with leather and dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a slightly conservative style. A tightly packed finish that, for want of a better word, lacks flair.

Elegant, soft and polished, the fruit is fresh, lively and sweet. From start to finish, there is a good energy radiating from the smoky red fruits.

Dark purple core and slightly lighter rim. Pure and nuanced nose with fine wood, tobacco, leaf, mild spices, cassis and red berries. The palate has a dense, muscular texture without being broad, fresh and nicely restrained with layers of wild berries, tobacco and fine spices leading to a long and persistent finish.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 13.5% alc. vol.) Floral, sweet, light bouquet, red cherries, blackberries, mocha, caramel. Slim, finely structured, firm palate with lightly sweet fruit, powdery tannins, sweet aromatics, light finish.

(58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 13.5% alc./vol.) Floral, sweet, light bouquet; red cherries, blackberries, mocha, caramel. Slender, finely built, firm palate with slight sweet fruit, powdery tannins, sweet aromatics, light finish. 16/20 2022 - 2032

The red 2017 Olivier has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It reveals scents of bright black cherries and mulberries, plus suggestions of pencil lead, bay leaves, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively and vibrant, delivering soft tannins and an herbal lift on the finish.

A wine with real personality, finely elongated tannins and fresh density, smoothness, and a stylish finish of mint and pepper. It will offer excellent value for money.

It still shows a touch of oak, the texture is supple, yet it shows a certain elegance. It should be enjoyed fairly soon.

A very inviting bouquet with fruity notes and aromas of raspberries and blackberries. On the palate, the wine is tasty, juicy, and well supported by its tannins. Good aromatic expression on the finish.

Dark, intense, and vibrant color. Very aromatic nose with fresh, ripe, vanilla-tinged fruit. Delicate on the attack, smooth mid-palate and well-structured, with flavor and a medium body; the wine unfolds with savory ease, showing no angular tannins and good length.

91–93. Barrel Sample. This is a dark, smoky wine, packed with dark berry notes, this is rich and full. Its tannins are powerful and will need taming. Drink from 2024.