Originally built in the 17th century, Château Loudenne is one of the oldest Cru Bourgeois properties. The humble pink chateau sits on the banks of the Gironde where it is one of the first Châteaux to greet visitors who enter the Médoc from the Atlantic via the Gironde.
“There is no great vineyard which does not overlook the river…..”. Its gravelly ridges slope gently down towards the Gironde estuary act like mirrors. Château Loudenne also benefits from sea breezes which are propitious for ripening the grapes: concentration through evaporation and slight humidity. The soils are predominantly of clay, limestone and Garonne gravel.
In stainless steel and concrete vats lined with epoxy resin. Vatting time is about 3 weeks with punching down of the cap and pumping over taking place regularly. Malolactic fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels as the aromas from the wood are much better integrated into the wine. This old technique provides more roundness to the wine as well as silky tannins. 30% of the French oak barrels are renewed every year. Choosing different coopers for each wine enables more aromatic complexity. This wine spend 16 months in French oak barrels.
An exceptional vintage thanks to superb climatic condition from mid-July onwards. Thanks to ample – but not stifling – warmth, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon reached a lovely level of maturity after very light rain through September. The harvest took place through September and October in ideal weather.
An intense and deep colour. The nose is complex, powerful and fruity with aromas of cherry and blackberry, lifted with toasty notes. In the mouth, there is a contentrated fruitiness with density and an elegant tannic frame. Full bodied with a long finish.
Ideal with lamb and other red meats, holding up well to rich sauces.
Serve at room temperature
90 Wine Advocat (Neal Martin)
16/20 Decanter (Steven Spurrier)
16 Jancis Robinson
AOC Médoc, Bordeaux
55% Merlot
40% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Cabernet Franc
1% Malbec
Natural Cork
12.5%
