1981 Château Olivier

Château Olivier is a Classified Growth Grand Cru estate for red and white wine in Leognan. The 130-acre estate includes a chateau from the late middle ages that looks straight out of a fairy tale. In fact the estate traces its history to the 12th century, and in the 14th century was owned by the English prince known as The Black Prince, who led English troops into battle for the control of Aquitaine. In the 20th century the estate was acquired by the de Bethmann family, who still own and operate it. Most of the vineyards are planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, though about 20 acres are planted to Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The estate nearly 220,000 bottles annually of red and white Château Olivier, and 65,000 bottles of red and white Seigneurie d’Olivier, the second wine.

Pessac-Léognan was created in 1987 from the northern part of the left bank Graves appellation. Before then it was simply part of Graves, or sometimes it was called Haut-Graves. Unlike many other Bordeaux appellations, Pessac-Léognan is known for both red and dry white wines, although its reds are more famous. The appellation includes ten communes and the area’s most important châteaux, including Château Haut-Brion, the only non-Médoc estate included in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. There are 2,964 acres of vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and 16 classified growth estates. The main red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. White grapes grown are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle. Pessac-Léognan is considered to have the best terroir of the greater Graves region.