2008 Olivier

Good healthy crimson. Classic, fully ripe but fresh Léognan with an attractively gentle texture. A little ripe tannin lurks and there is no desperate hurry to drink this but it's already a savoury, well-mannered claret that should disappoint no one. This property has been extensively renovated. Impressively persistent. Lasted well in an open bottle. (JR)

Less impressive than it was from the barrel, the bottled 2008 Olivier reveals an excess of oak and not enough fruit or concentration to back up all the wood. Drink this monolithic effort over the next 3-4 years.

Fine dark cassis fruit. Pure, intense and lifted. Sweet damsons but not overripe. Juicy and full of life with a cool mid palate. No fat but not lean. Long, mouthwatering finish. (JH)