Château La Louvière 2025

Tasted also with owner Jacques Lurton at Château La Louvière, this is a refined wine but marked by a touch of austerity and a faint drying edge. The fruit sits firmly in the red spectrum: tart cherry, redcurrant, cranberry, with a chopped herb note adding lift. Not as juicy as the 2020 vintage, but with more tension, the acidity playing a decisive role. As Lurton put it: “There is not as much tannin as in 2022, but we have a more tannic impression in 2025 because of the acidity.” I find myself preferring his other estate, Château de Rochemorin, for a more immediately welcoming profile. That said, Château La Louvière will benefit from barrel ageing – 40% new oak – which should soften the edges and allow the fruit to come forward.

Smoke, black cherries, flowers, incense, currants, tobacco, and licorice nuances create the aromatic profile. The palate is silky, soft, and creamy. Elegantly styled, the balance between freshness and creamy tannins on the palate is just what the doctor ordered. The finish delivers layers of sweet, ripe, smoky red fruits. This should deliver pleasure for at least 15-20 years or more. Drink from 2029-2050. 93-95 Pts

Characterful with high spice, chalky tannins and brambled hedgerow fruit, tight on the finish with sharp acidities at this stage. Harvest September 2 to 25. 33 hl/ha. 40% new oak.

Fresh and fruity, La Louvière’s bouquet stands out for its nuances of dark berries and a refreshing touch of eucalyptus. Rather slender on the attack, the wine convinces with its linear, precise and structured character. It benefits from the valuable support of its tannins, which provide well-framed vigour, while the acidity highlights the wine’s bright character! It is savoury and mouthwatering, and can be enjoyed in its youth.

Radiant fruit, red and dark berries, cherry compote, with tobacco on top; a soft opening, then it grips, with a pronounced tannin structure, juicy acidity, saline notes, long-lasting, balanced on the finish, echoing sour cherries. Shows very good potential.