Wines Haut-Médoc Château Tanas Olivier - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Château Tanas Olivier 2020 is a red wine from the prestigious Haut-Médoc appellation, situated within Bordeaux’s renowned Médoc subregion. This estate typically offers blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and occasionally smaller proportions of Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. The 2020 vintage was marked by an early, warm season, allowing grapes to reach excellent maturity. The soils in this area are predominantly gravelly, offering excellent drainage and encouraging deep vine roots, which contribute to the wine’s structure and complexity. Vinification here respects the Médoc tradition, often with careful extraction during fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels to develop depth while preserving the bright fruit characteristics typical of a youthful vintage.

The Haut-Médoc lies on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, tracing the Garonne River’s course. The maritime climate benefits from the warming influence of the river and moderating Atlantic breezes, helping to prevent extreme temperatures. The unique gravelly soils—iconic to this stretch of Bordeaux—are an inheritance from ancient riverbeds and glacial movement, fostering robust Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This region is steeped in history, with châteaux and wine production dating back centuries, contributing to its reputation for ageworthy and structured reds.

For food pairings, Château Tanas Olivier 2020 will shine alongside classic red meats—think roast lamb with herbs, entrecôte bordelaise, or duck breast. Its robust tannins and vibrant acidity also make it a delightful companion to aged cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty, as well as traditional regional dishes such as confit de canard or a simple beef daube. The wine’s balance and youthful fruit also allow it to complement earthy dishes featuring mushrooms or lentils.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will help soften its tannins and reveal more of the aromatic complexity. Château Tanas Olivier 2020 can certainly be enjoyed now for its freshness, though a few years in the cellar will allow further integration and depth.