France · Bordeaux

Chateau Olivier

Château Olivier is a Pessac-Léognan Cru Classé de Graves estate located in Léognan, classified in the 1953 Graves classification for both red and white wines. The estate has medieval origins — its fortified 14th-century château remains one of Bordeaux's most architecturally distinctive — and farms approximately 45 hectares of vineyards on deep gravel and sand soils over clay subsoil. The red wine (Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon) accounts for 134 of 158 auction lots averaging $152 per bottle, with the 1989 vintage the most frequently traded. The 1989 Bordeaux vintage is celebrated as one of the 20th century's finest and remains the benchmark year for the estate's auction record. The white wine averages $190 across 12 lots, with the 2005 vintage most represented. Auction prices span $17 to $1,027, with the upper range reflecting exceptional older vintages including the 1989. Château Olivier was historically underperforming relative to its classified status but underwent significant quality improvements after its acquisition by the Bethmann family undertook major renovation. Current scores from top critics place the estate firmly in the range appropriate for a Cru Classé de Graves.