Chateau Loudenne

Wine information: Château Loudenne is inextricably linked with the British wine trade. Built in the 17th century, Loudenne had many owners until 1875 when it was sold to two English brothers, Walter and Alfred Gilbey. The Gilbeys were already well known wine and spirit merchants in London and producers of the gin of the same name. The wines of Loudenne prospered in the British trade, surviving two world wars and underwent a renovation programme in the 1960s and 70s. Under the energetic and experienced management of Martin Bamford MW, Château Loudenne remained part of Gilbey’s despite successive take-overs. Finally owned by Diageo, who eventually sold the Château after more than a century of English ownership. In March 2000 the Château was bought by the Lafragette family who had established their reputation in the Cognac industry. They have done much work in the vineyardand the winery, improved the cellars and opened up the château to receive visitors including a wonderful wine museum. Today their daughter Florence runs the château with her youthful energy and a modern approach to Bordeaux wine marketing. She belongs to a new generation of young Bordelais proprietors who are determined to change some of the old fashioned perceptions of Bordeaux and reinvigorate the market for the region’s wines. The grand vin, Château Loudenne, a Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur is a blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Michel Rolland is the consultant oenologist.

Tasting Notes: Chateau Loudenne is a beautiful deep colour with shades of violet. A nice nose of fresh red fruits: raspberry and blackcurrant. The attack in mouth is plain, rich of very ripe fruit tannins dominated by blackcurrant jam. Good balance between acidity and tannins. This wine has fine woody scents well mixed with the fruit aromas which last in the finish leaving a liquorice flavour.

Reviews: "Shows currant bush and fresh herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a berry and herb aftertaste." James Suckling 2010.

 
     

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