Château La Louvière 2024

On the nose, tobacco and a subtly herbal note, forest fruits, tea; a taut palate, slender body, tannins not overdosed, with a few green notes in the background, short finish, red-fruited, bitter on the finish.

A rich and concentrated nose, really vivid colours and super expressive aromatically. Ripe blackcurrants and plums. Sleek and refined with blue fruit and quite prominent liquorice and cola flavours. This has a certain density, fruit intensity, and plushness thanks to slightly full but fine tannins which provide a full mouthfeel as well as a hit of sweet fruit balanced by just-ripe fruit. A lovely combination that will be very enjoyable after ageing. Feels elegant and classy yet still muscular. Not overdone.

85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. Red-berry aroma and flavor. Light mid-palate. Chewy tannins, slightly dry on the finish. Hard-edged. (JL)

Black cherries, licorice, and smoke create the core of the wine’s character. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, bright, fresh, and vibrant, with strawberries and currants, showing a lively mid-palate presence that carries through to the finish. This should deliver pleasure for at least 12 or more years. Drink from 2027-2040. 90-92 pts

A shy nose, but more presence on the palate and an assertive acidity, with notes of cherry juice.

Soft to medium intensity plum colour, smoked earth, a touch of rusticity to the tannins but there is impressively balanced red and black fruits alongside, raspberry leaf and cloves. Austere on the finish. Harvest 17 September to 3 October. 40 hl/ha. 40% new oak, 15% in amphora for ageing.