Château Loudenne 1998

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château Loudenne 1998

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a deep, intense garnet hue, reflecting its fine concentration and the excellent ripeness of the grapes at harvest.

Nose
The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity, with powerful notes of blackcurrant and dark chocolate. Aromas of ripe red fruits accompany this bouquet, while mineral nuances add an extra dimension to the overall expression.

Palate
On the palate, this wine charms with its powerful, velvety tannic structure. Fine, silky tannins are perfectly balanced by a vibrant acidity that brings freshness. The whole lingers beautifully on the finish.

Food and wine pairings
This Château Loudenne 1998 is an ideal match for grilled red meats such as beef or lamb. It also pairs very well with more elaborate dishes such as coq au vin or kidneys with chanterelles. Aged, hard cheeses also make excellent partners for this structured wine.

Serving and cellaring
Château Loudenne 1998 is best served at a temperature between 18 and 20°C. Decanting for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

A Médoc wine with an elegant, powerful style

The estate
Located in Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, in the heart of the Médoc, the Château Loudenne traces its origins back to the 17th century. One of 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 Château Loudenne vineyard stretches over clay-limestone soils along the immediate edge of the Gironde estuary. This exceptional geographic setting gives the terroir a particular microclimate, where morning mists bring a beneficial maritime influence. The gravelly soils of the Médoc provide excellent drainage and promote optimal ripening of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.

The vintage
1998 stands out as a very high-quality vintage in Bordeaux. Favorable weather conditions allowed the grapes to ripen ideally, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The sunny summer and optimal late-season conditions encouraged aromatic concentration and the development of a remarkable tannic structure.

Vinification and aging
Château Loudenne 1998 was vinified according to traditional Bordeaux methods in temperature-controlled vats, with a maceration lasting three to four weeks to ensure optimal extraction. Aging took place in French oak barrels for fourteen to sixteen months, with one-third of the barrels renewed. After bottling, the wine was cellared for at least one year before release.

Grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot form the core of the blend, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.