Viniou Reviews
Château Olivier 2021 from the esteemed Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux is a red Grand Cru Classé blend that offers the hallmark elegance and complexity for which this region is renowned. The 2021 vintage, while challenging due to cooler temperatures and rain, has given rise to wines of finesse and aromatic freshness. Pessac-Léognan, situated within the larger Graves region, benefits from gravelly soils that impart a unique minerality to its wines, along with complex layers of flavour. This particular soil composition, combined with a favourable microclimate that balances Atlantic influences, aids in the production of refined wines. The region's viticulture history is rich, having been a distinguished wine-producing area for centuries, with Château Olivier playing a notable role in this prestigious heritage.
A wine of this calibre pairs remarkably well with classic Bordeaux cuisine and beyond. Consider enjoying it with roasted duck breast or a herb-crusted rack of lamb, which complement the structure and depth of the wine. Its subtle tobacco and cedar notes also make it an excellent companion to beef tenderloin with a mushroom sauce. For a local touch, consider pairing it with Bordeaux's delicacy, "entrecôte à la bordelaise," a rib steak cooked in a savoury red wine sauce. These pairings enhance the wine's rich flavours, allowing its complexity and elegance to shine, each sip offering a delicious harmony of the region's terroir.
For optimal appreciation of this wine’s aromatic profile and complex layers, it is best served at a temperature of 16-18°C. This range allows the vibrant fruit and finely integrated tannins to fully express themselves. Decanting for about an hour before serving can further aid in opening up the bouquet and enhancing the overall tasting experience.
