Château Loudenne 2016

The complexity and elegance of a Médoc wine

The estate

Located at Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc in the heart of the Médoc, Château Loudenne traces its origins back to the 17th century. This distinctive estate with its pink façade, on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, one of the oldest of the Médoc.

After several owners, Château Loudenne was acquired in 2022 by businessman Christophe Gouache, who also owns Château Bellerive.

The vineyard

Château Loudenne is a Médoc wine that stems from vineyards, on average 41 years old, planted on two clay Graves Garonnaises hilltops.

Château Loudenne is one of the closest estates to the Gironde estuary, with 132 hectares of land, 31 of which are dedicated to red wine. This unique geographical location ensures both natural protection against frost and optimal ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

Although the wet but mild conditions of the winter advanced an early budburst, the spring was cool and just as rainy. Particularly hot and dry, the summer slowed down the growth cycle but did not impact the vineyard too much thanks to sufficient water reserves. A rainy spell on 13 September restored the vineyard, allowing the grapes to ripen again.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvested by hand in crates, the grapes were meticulously sorted before being vatted through gravity into stainless steel or concrete temperature-controlled vats. Pressing then separation of the press juices. Malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged for 12 to 16 months in French oak barrels (33% new).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (53%)
Merlot (45%)
Cabernet Franc (2%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Loudenne 2016

Tasting

Colour
The wine is a beautiful cherry red colour.

Nose
The nose is powerful, mingling fruity (ripe blackcurrant, morello cherry) and spicy scents with notes of licorice and vanilla.

Palate
The palate is full-bodied, unveiling fine and perfectly ripe tannins. The finish is aromatic and lingering.