2016 Olivier (Pessac-Leognan)

They 2016 Chateau Olivier has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, black olive and a touch of undergrowth, quite nuanced at first but unfurling with confidence within a couple minutes of aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a pleasant salinity and fine structure, a touch of edginess here and a dash of spice towards that finish, which maybe just cuts away a little sooner than expected. That said, up until then, everything bodes well for a strong follow up to the 2015 Chateau Olivier. 91-93 points

This is generous, well judged and jam-packed with the luscious black fruits that 2016 specialises in. Beautifully juicy, the aromatics are very clean, with a deeply spicy side to the cassis and blackberry. Well worked tannins, very classic Pessac. Excellent. 94 points

Deeply coloured and bursting with fresh, dark berry flavours of damson and cassis, withnotes of cedar wood and fresh tobacco, layered tannins, bright acidity and impressive palate length. Classy winemaking. Drink 2022-30. 93 points

The 2016 Olivier is plump, juicy and delicious. Succulent black cherry, licorice, tobacco, smoke and new leather are all nicely pushed forward. The 2016 is not super-complex, but it offers lovely depth and creaminess in a soft, open-knit style that should drink well early. 88-91 points