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.

This continues the run of form at La Louvière, with this estate beginning to pull its weight in the appellation after a number of underperforming years. Good depth and spice on the nose, confident personality, sliver of black chocolate, tannins just a touch underripe with a hint of rose stem on the finish suggests clever blending. This is an excellent La Louvière that will be enjoyable to share. 40% new oak for ageing, 15% in terracotta amphorae, 50 hl/ha. Great job from the team under Jacques 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.