Review: Chateau La Louviere 2006 Rouge
- vinterest
- Mar 12, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Chateau La Louviere is a Pessac Leognon domaine with 60 ha under vine (48 ha devoted to red). The estate traces its history back to the 14th century.
The domaine is part of a stable of six vineyards (total 640 ha) that Andre Lurton owns across Bordeaux - and La Louviere is his pride and joy. It's not a coincidence that the last few Bordeaux we have tasted are owned by large conglomerates (Lurton, the Dourthe Group or Bernard Magrez) and reflects the commercialization and consolidation of the Bordeaux wine industry.
Pessac Leognan is one of the rare Bordeaux AOPs that produce fine red and white wines. The appellation is located between the Garonne river and a pine tree forest. The trees assist in creating the unique, micro climate of the commune by protecting the vines from humidity and wind. The AOP was spun out of Graves in 1987, relatively recently for Bordeaux. Essentially this came about through pressure from Pessac Leognan growers who wished to disassociate themselves from growers with predominately sandy soils further south in Graves.
The blend is cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with extended oak ageing. We picked this up retailing in France for 25 Euros. Apparently it can age up to 30 years - we couldn't help ourselves opening it though!
By pure coincidence we've opened quite a few Pessac Leognan lately including two reds (1998 Chateau de Fieuzal and a 2006 Chateau La Garde) and two whites (a 2010 Chateau Olivier and 2008 Esprit de Chevalier).
The take: On appearance you can see the age already - light, clear edges. The color is quite light for a young-ish Bordeaux. And the legs...like a volleyball player! On the nose: mandarin, cherry, earth and peppers. A rich and smooth attack. Initially a nice musty, earthy base. Great fresh acidity. Pleasant, slightly grippy finish. Fruit spice. A great balanced mix of flavours. We love this.
In closing: True balance in a glass!
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Pessac Leognan
Producer: Chateau la Louviere
Vintage: 2006
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Mid-range
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