Château Loudenne 1996

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Loudenne 1996

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a deep purple hue, reflecting its concentration and intensity.

Nose

The nose reveals intense aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by notes of black cherry. Hints of cedar and spice add complexity to the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is full and dense, with a velvety tannic structure. Its silky texture coats the palate, offering a fine concentration of ripe dark fruit. The finish lingers pleasantly, extending flavors of fruit and spice.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine from the Médoc pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, game in sauce, as well as duck confit. It also matches very well with aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Château Loudenne 1996 is ideally enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Aerating the wine for one to two hours before serving will allow it to fully express its aromatic complexity.

A rich Médoc with delicate oak notes

The estate

Located in Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, in the heart of the Médoc, the Château Loudenne dates back to the 17th century. Among the oldest estates in the Médoc, this Left Bank Bordeaux property is distinctive for its pink façades. After passing through the hands of several owners, Château Loudenne was acquired in 2022 by Christophe Gouache, a businessman who also owns Château Bellerive.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Loudenne benefits from an exceptional location within the Médoc appellation. The vines stretch across gravelly rises interwoven with limestone and clay, resting on a limestone subsoil. The proximity of the Gironde estuary plays a moderating role on the climate, tempering temperature extremes and providing a beneficial maritime influence on grape ripening.

The vintage

1996 stands out as a remarkable vintage for the Médoc. After a warm spring that encouraged even flowering and a cool summer, September saw a return of fine weather accompanied by ocean winds. These conditions enabled optimal ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, producing structured wines with beautiful natural acidity and excellent aging potential.

Vinification and aging

Château Loudenne 1996 was vinified using traditional methods that respect the fruit. After maceration in temperature-controlled tanks allowing for a controlled extraction of tannins and anthocyanins, the wine was aged for fourteen months in oak barrels. This aging period allowed the wine to develop aromatic complexity while preserving the expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec