1996 Château La Louviere Blanc

Château La Louviere is a 120-acre estate in Leognan, in the Pessac-Leognan appellation. It has been owned by Andre Lurton since 1965 though it has existed as a wine estate in one form or another since the 15th century. Vineyards are planted to 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate also produces a white wine of approximately 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon. A second label is called L de La Louviere. Robert M. Parker Jr. has written that “the estate produces one of the most consistently well made wines of the Pessac-Leognan…in both red and white. Though unclassified, La Louviere is superior to many of the crus classes.”

Pessac-Léognan was created in 1987 from the northern part of the left bank Graves appellation. Before then it was simply part of Graves, or sometimes it was called Haut-Graves. Unlike many other Bordeaux appellations, Pessac-Léognan is known for both red and dry white wines, although its reds are more famous. The appellation includes ten communes and the area’s most important châteaux, including Château Haut-Brion, the only non-Médoc estate included in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. There are 2,964 acres of vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and 16 classified growth estates. The main red grapes grown are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with a small amount of Cabernet Franc. White grapes grown are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle. Pessac-Léognan is considered to have the best terroir of the greater Graves region.