CHATEAU LA LOUVIERE (Andre Lurton) BLANC Pessac-Leognan 2020 Bottle

Description

Chateau La Louviere, like many Pessac Leognan estates enjoys a long history. In fact, Chateau La Louviere dates back to the late 1300’s as an estate., passing from owner to owner, which included an order of monks in the early 1600’s. The vineyard was confiscated during the French Revolution and eventually sold to the Mareilhac family, who also owned Chateau Rieussec in Sauternes at one point in time.

The modern age for Chateau La Louviere begins in 1965 when the well-known Lurton family purchased Chateau La Louviere from the Taquet family. The Taquet family had been the owners of Chateau La Louviere since the early part of the 20th century. The purchase price could not have been much, as the estate had fallen into a serious state of dilapidation. Extensive renovations were required in the cellars, the vineyards and the chateau of La Louviere which is now classified as a national architectural treasure by the French government.

2003 marked an interesting experiment when Chateau La Louviere became one of the first, well-known Bordeaux estates to bottle their wine using the Stelvin screw cap enclosure. The estate was once again modernized in 2008. Today, the estate is managed by Andre Lurton. This branch of the Lurton family owns several other Bordeaux chateaux including Chateau Couhins-Lurton and Chateau Dauzac in Margaux.

The 61.5 hectare vineyard of Chateau La Louviere is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, although there are some Petit Verdot vines remaining in the vineyard. The Cabernet Franc has been completely removed. 13.5 hectares are devoted to white wine grape varieties which are planted to 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon, with a similar planting density and vine age as the red wine varieties.

The terroir is gravel with limestone deposits in the soil. On average, the vines are close to 25 years of age. The vines are planted to a density that ranges from 6,500 vines per hectare up to 8,500 vines per hectare. The higher levels of density are for the newer plantings.

Chateau La Louviere has good neighbors. They are located in Cadaujac, which is not far from Chateau Haut Bailly and across the way from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. Even with their new wine making facilities and good terroir, the wines have not always been consistent. Since 2015, they have been on a roll and the wines have never been better.

In 2013, Chateau La Louviere hired Michel Rolland as their consultant in an effort to improve their red wines and to bring more attention to the estate. Denis Dubourdieu continued to consult for the white wines until his demise.

JAMES SUCKLING 94-95 points
"A bright, fruity white with sliced apple, green mango and lemon. Crushed stone, too. Medium to full body and a creamy texture. Flavorful finish. Pristine white."

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
"Bright Sauvignon Blanc aromatics on the nose, this is good quality. Power, concentration and spliced citrus and slate minerality. Maintains momentum, easy to love. A yield of 31hl/ha, with 10 months ageing on lees with regular stirring in to fatten up the mouthfeel. An impressive La Louvière, stands out from recent vintages at this estate. Drinking Window 2021 - 2027."

JANCIS ROBISNON 16.5 points
Drink: 2022-2028 - 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Aged in oak for 10 months with lees stirring.
"Restrained nose. Very marked acidity and intense fruit with the acidity extremely well integrated into it. A very bordelais Sauvignon Blanc with layers of flavour and oodles of salinity. Very refreshing already. Lots of attractive green-fruit flavours but a dry finish."