Château Loudenne 2018

Offering up aromas of cassis and licorice framed by a rich patina of creamy new oak, the 2018 Loudenne is medium to full-bodied, rich and supple, with lively acids, powdery tannins and a charming, dramatic style. More demonstrative than the 2019, it will offer a broad drinking window.

A dark ruby red, with purple hues, a subtle brightening on the rim. Subtle floral notes, cassis, black forest berries, fresh orange zest. Juicy, blackberries, vivid tannins, red berries and lemon on the finish, a touch green.

Characterful nose, smoky and spicy, with leather, cedar, and black fruit jam; an extremely tasty palate with good juiciness, harmonious tannins, and vibrancy. You can sense the potential, yet there is no harshness.

The 2018 Loudenne offers light black currant and loganberry aromas on the simple but clean nose. The balanced, medium-bodied palate shows tobacco-tinged black fruit, but the finish is just a little lean. A decent early-drinking Médoc.