Château La Louvière 2023

Slightly restrained on the nose, dominated by red berries; slender palate, delicate fruit, subtly drying tannins, mineral finish.

Cool blueberry fruit with hints of crushed tobacco introduces a mouthful of wine—flattering and rich—but not without austerity on the finish, as the tannins come off a bit tight. Overall, pretty good, with pleasing fruit ripeness and plum-like richness marked by the majority of Merlot in the blend. I also like the overall tension on the palate, leading to a long finish, so it could get a higher score after it ages in 40% new oak.

60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinified in many different vessels, including intégrale and amphora. 12 months in oak, 40% new, but 15% in amphora. Deep crimson. Rich in dark fruit but also a little peppery and smoky. Even a little bit charry but not too much. Firm, chewy, deep and fresh. Attractively firm in structure without being tough. Lots of fruit without unwanted fruit sweetness. Just the start of complexity and with real depth for 2023. Enough freshness. Needs time. (JH)

As during En Primeur, this is a very successful La Louvière, with a sleek grilled character that brings us into Pessac Léognan. Spicy autumnal black fruits, iris and crushed roses, 40% new oak for ageing 15% in terracotta amphora, 50hl/ha. Great job from the team under Jacques Lurton, and now his niece Mathilde de Caix‑Lurton.

Score: 90–92. Very ripe, indulgent fruit on the nose, with some powdery notes and purple highlights that give it a shimmering aspect, evoking a fully bloomed peony. The palate is nicely fresh and sapid, with crunchy fruit all the way through to the finish.

The wine was in a serious phase at the time of tasting. Nevertheless, one will appreciate the expressions of red and black fruits, both on the nose and on the palate, and that fresh, lively attack. The tannins are fine and tight, currently a bit strict. Lovely licorice-tinged finish. Give it a little time.

Juicy and open-knit, with accessible notes of black cherry and black currant compote inlaid with tar, chicory and mesquite details. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030. 10,000 cases made, 250 cases imported.

Initially you enjoy the floral aromatics before skipping to the tobacco, and smoked red fruits. Medium-bodied, soft, round, supple, vibrant and clean, the elegant finish really works here. This is going to be quite nice with a year, or two of aging, and should deliver pleasure for at least 15 or more years with ease. The wine blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2045.

A fine yield of 50 hl/ha for Louvière 2023. The wine comes from vineyards averaging 28 years of age, planted on soils of deep gravel and calcareous clay. Notes of blackberry, sweet spices and citrus bring freshness and complexity. With compact, fine-grained tannins, La Louvière stands out for its harmony as well as its depth. The wine leaves no doubt that it has a strong message of quality to convey and plenty of substance to back it up. A flavoursome, harmonious wine.