2015 Olivier (Pessac-Leognan)

The 2015 Chateau Olivier offers vivacious red cherry and crisp strawberry fruit on the nose, biding its time, gently unfolding in the glass until it takes full flight. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and smooth wild strawberry and raspberry fruit, laced with cedar and a pleasant saltiness. This is one of the best Château Olivier reds in recent years. This is one of the best wines from Chateau Olivier in recent years, thanks to its greater depth and harmony. Laurent Lebrun has done a great job here. 91-92 points

Power and poise of rich, muscular tannic frame for good ageing potential. Continuing the more serious expression of Olivier over last few years, begun with the inclusion of the new Bel Air plot of vines that represents 30% of the blend. New addition also in 2015 of 1ha of Petit Verdot, representing 5% of wine along with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot. 14.2%abv, 3.8pH. 93 points

Dark crimson. Thick and sweet. Lots of intensity. Just rather harsh tannic charge on the end. Very ambitious but not very relaxed! 16.5 points

The 2015 Olivier is wonderfully fleshy and seductive. The interplay of ripe 2015 fruit and more savory, earthy undertones is compelling. Cedar, smoke, licorice and tobacco add shades of nuance in a lovely, understated Pessac-Léognan endowed with real class and depth. This could turn out to be one of the real sleepers of the vintage. 90-92 points

Perfumed and alluring, this is a bigger, more structured wine than the nose would suggest thanks to its core of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. Complex and well balanced, with crunchy red and black fruits, refined but grippy tannins and a long finish. Drink: 2022-30. 93 points