"Olivier Bernstein is one of the younger generation of micro-negociants... In just a few years Bernstein has put together an impressive collection of wines from some of the Cote d’Or’s most prestigious appellations." — Antonio Galloni for The Wine Advocate
Olivier Bernstein remains one of Burgundy's most talented newcomers, opening his domaine in 2007 as a negociant and steadily building his portfolio of Premier Cru and Grand Cru plots. Hailing from a renowned musical background and holding a career in international management for nearly two decades, Bernstein travelled to Burgundy with little wine background, quickly becoming a standout winemaker in the region. After studying under the illustrious Henri Jayer and masterfully applying his business acumen outside the vineyard, Bernstein has built his domaine into one of the region's finest producers.
Olivier Bernstein: Burgundy Wine Origins
Olivier Bernstein belongs to one of France's most esteemed musical families, as his grandfather was the founder of a prominent music publishing house, while his parents were the directors of multiple classical music labels. Rather than following in their footsteps, Bernstein carved a career in international management, where he remained for nearly two decades. After building a successful career, Bernstein switched focus and studied in Beaune in 2002 in hopes of becoming a farmer. Once he completed his studies, Olivier Bernstein immediately purchased 8 hectares in Roussillon, France, then completed an apprenticeship under Henri Jayer.
With a formal education from one of wine history's most legendary winemakers, Bernstein set his eyes on opening a wine estate. The winemaker first travelled to Bordeaux, though was quickly priced out by large conglomerates. He then set his eyes on Burgundy, where he began operating as a micro-negociant, purchasing fruit from multiple growers. In 2007, he formally established Domaine Olivier Bernstein and rapidly earned acclaim from top critics like Jancis Robinson and Allen Meadows.
Despite earning prestige from international critics, Olivier Bernstein remained a relatively unknown name in his home country of France, exporting the vast majority of his wines to the United Kingdom, United States, and China. However, by 2012, Olivier Bernstein had gained enough notoriety in Burgundy and purchased his first Premier Cru and Grand Cru plots. Today, the winemaker rents 15 plots and owns 2 plots across seven Grand Cru and three Premier Cru sites.
Olivier Bernstein Wine Style and Portfolio
Olivier Bernstein describes himself as a grower first and winemaker second. Despite beginning as a negociant, Bernstein now manages all of his vineyard sites and purposefully focuses on procuring plots with aged vines. Bernstein estimates that 90% of his plots contain 40-80-year-old vines, resulting in incredibly low yields and small productions. Similar to his mentor, Henri Jayer, Olivier Bernstein ages all of his wines in new wood and works with expert cooper Stéphane Chassin to do a final tasting of each vintage and decide the degree of toasting for each wine.
Consequently, Olivier Bernstein wines are known for their black cherry and licorice bouquet, exotic spice and mineral-driven palate, and powerful, full-bodied profile. The finish is one of the most notable aspects of a bottle from Olivier Bernstein, with multiple critics noting the fine oak notes resurfacing in this phase. As such, Olivier Bernstein wines have become a favorite amongst Burgundy drinkers, with many bottles priced around $500 per bottle.
Olivier Bernstein Grand Cru Wines
Olivier Bernstein currently holds plots in seven Grand Cru vineyards, as listed below:
- Chambertin
- Charmes-Chambertin
- Mazis-Chambertin
- Chambertin Clos de Beze
- Clos de Vougeot
- Bonnes Mares
- Clos de la Roche
Add A Bottle from Olivier Bernstein Burgundy to Your Cellar
Olivier Bernstein wine is the perfect Burgundy gem for any collection, providing an imposing and impeccable bottle for drinkers. Explore our collection of in-stock Olivier Bernstein wines today.
