An exceptional vintage Médoc wine
The estate
Located at Saint-Yzans-de-Médoc, in the heart of the Médoc, Château Loudenne traces its origins back to the 17th century. Counted among the oldest estates of the Médoc, this Bordeaux Left Bank property is notable for its pink walls. Having seen several owners, Château Loudenne was acquired in 2022 by businessman Christophe Gouache, who also owns Château Bellerive.
The vineyard
Château Loudenne is a wine that comes from vineyards that are on average 41 years old, planted on two clay graves garonnaises hilltops in the heart of the winemaking region of Bordeaux. Reigning over a terroir of 132 hectares, of which 31 are designated for red wine, Château Loudenne is renowned for being one of the estates closest to the Gironde estuary. This unique geographical spot ensures a natural protection against frost, granting optimal ripening conditions for the grapes.
The vintage
The rainy spring built up groundwater. Flowering and setting of the fruit were developed in favourable conditions thanks to hot, dry weather. The long, sunny days along with little rain brought a great acidity to the grapes. The autumn, following the same weather patterns as the summer, was hot and sunny, leaving the grapes to reach an impeccable ripeness. The 2009 vintage was exceptional.
Winemaking and ageing
Vinification took place in thermoregulated stainless steel and concrete vats. Vatting took three weeks with the addition of treading the cap and pumping over. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels where the wine was aged for 12 months. Michel Rolland and Athanase Fakorellis, two well known œnologists, were consulted over the winemaking process.
Blend
Merlot 55%
Cabernet sauvignon 40%
Cabernet franc 4%
Malbec 1%
Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Loudenne 2009
Tasting
Colour
This wine is characterised by a beautiful Bordeaux colour, with a light amber hue.
Nose
This Cru Bourgeois 2009 brings black fruit aromas, followed by empyreumatic scents : chocolate and toasted notes.
Palate
This balanced wine unveils its power and beautiful acidity from the first mouthful. Scents of black fruit and spice envelop the palate, the tannins are silky and continue into the long finish.
More than half Merlot and the balance mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, this is an elegant, well-balanced, finesse style of wine with a dark ruby color and some notes of cranberry and black cherry fruit as well as red currants and dusty, loamy soil undertones. It is medium-bodied and best drunk over the next decade.