Baudry-Dutour – Château de Saint Louans 2008 and 2009 + 2006 Côt Clos Roche Blanche

Just before we left Touraine to return to London these two samples - the 2008 and 2009 Château Saint-Louans - from Baudry-Dutour arrived. The vines of Château Saint Louans are just to the west of the main town of Chinon and on land above the Vienne. The property was bought by Baudry-Dutour in 2006. Not having enough time to taste them they came back to London with us.

2008 Château Saint Louans, Chinon, Baudry-Dutour

Mid-plum, attractive vibrant texture, red and black fruits, deceptively powerful, some freshness in finish. Initially I was surprised that this wine is 14% alcohol but it is sufficiently well balanced that it's strength is not apparent. More complex than the 2009 – I certainly preferred the 2008.  

2009 Château Saint Louans, Chinon, Baudry-Dutour

Deeper coloured than 2008, soft black fruits and texture, quite showy but an attractive wine. Less complex than the 2008 at present with quite marked toasty oak, which gives the wine a decidedly international aspect. At present this is less complex than the 2008. Should be kept for at least two to three years for the wood to fully integrate and may well gain additional complexity with time.    

2006 Côt AC Touraine, Clos Roche Blanche

We drank this in parallel with the two Chinons and it was not overshadowed. This 2006 is showing very well – still youthful with soft black fruits, softly structured and with enough acidity to retain some freshness in the finish.   Shows once again how good Côt – Malbec can be in the Cher Valley.