Feature Coverage

Olivier Bernstein’s 2013s Turn Heads After Complicated Growing Season

ST. HELENA, CA (October 7, 2015) — The 2013 vintage release of rising star Olivier Bernstein has stunned critics around the world with red wines from the most esteemed premier cru and grand cru vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, overcoming obstacles set forth by a complicated growing season in Burgundy.  

Though the cold and damp spring caused initial concern among growers in the Côte d’Or, the warm months of July and August created optimal conditions leading up to harvest. “The dry month of September, in conjunction with the hard work done in the vineyards, left us in a very healthy state just prior to harvest,” says Olivier. “Yields, however, were low, as has been the case in the recent vintages of 2010, 2011 and 2012. “

Though limited in quantity, Olivier’s 2013 premier cru and grand cru wines are attracting serious attention. Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media states: “Bernstein has turned out a gorgeous set of 2013s … the cool, late year gave the wines super-expressive aromatics and pulsating acidity to balance the intensity of the fruit.” Olivier is also pleased with how the wines are developing: “The wines are intense in color. On the palate they are lively, concentrated and structured, and exhibiting great flesh with remarkable balance — worthy competitors of the 2012 vintage.” Still, Olivier feels that time will tell the true greatness of the wines: they “not only give great pleasure in their youth, but will age beautifully over time.”

A more recent addition to Wilson Daniels’ portfolio, Olivier Bernstein brings passion and tenacity to his modern operation based in the heart of Burgundy. Since 2007, when he first began sourcing fruit from top sites and making wine, Olivier has succeeded in taking over management of vineyard work for nearly all his vineyard sources as well as purchasing two vineyard parcels — premier cru Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champeaux and grand cru Mazis-Chambertin — in 2012. “It’s remarkable to think how far Olivier Bernstein has come in a relatively short time,” says Antonio Galloni.

The wines are available in limited quantities to major markets across the U.S., including California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Texas. This week, Olivier is traveling in select markets to host a series of winemaker dinners featuring the 2013 vintage.

The Wines
Chambolle-Musigny “Les Lavrottes” 1er Cru
Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Champeaux” 1er Cru
Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Cazetiers” 1er Cru
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru
Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru
Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru
Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru
Chambertin Grand Cru

About Maison Oliver Bernstein
Olivier Bernstein’s premier and grand crus have a wealth of old vines, which are fundamental to the quality of his wines. All vineyard plots, save one, are at least 40 years old; most are between 60 and 80 years old. While officially acting with négociant status, Olivier and his team take responsibility for the vineyard work on their plots.

For further information please visit www.wilsondaniels.com/our-portfolio/olivier-bernstein or contact Jennifer Brown — office 707.967.1827 | cell 707.478.5152 | jbrown@wilsondaniels.com.

 

###

October 7, 2015
logo
Olivier Bernstein’s 2013s Turn Heads After Complicated Growing Season