CHATEAU LOYASSON 2009

Description and Press Reviews
Wine Style: Full Bodied Red   

The gold medal winning Chateau Loyasson has belonged to the Ballarin family since 1932. Today, Remi and Roger Ballarin are the third generation to run the estate. They also own Chateaux Roc de Levraut and Vieux Balestard.  Loyasson's vineyard of 59 acres lies on  argilo-calcaire soils which have supported vines for several centuries.  The chateau is located in Balestard, near Sauveterre de Guyenne in the Entre Deux Mers.  This region is sandwiched between the tidal waters of the Rivers Dordogne and Garonne and the land is bordered by the vineyards of Saint Emilion in the north and by those of the sweet wines of Sauternes to the south.   Sauveterre de Guyenne is a medieval Bastide town and was actually built by the English, in the time of Edward I. It still has part of its fortifications with its typical arcaded central square and four gates to the town.

Loyasson is a carefully orchestrated wine that ages well. The colour is a deep, dark ruby red, edged with purple hues and the wine has notes of blackberry, spice, blackcurrant, tobacco and raspberries on the finish.  This is a well structured wine with smooth tannins and is great with red meat dishes such as steak, spicy beef, roast or grilled lamb, casseroles and venison.  Try it with strong flavoured soft cheeses and moussaka or lasagne.

Gary White:  Chelsea and Fulham Wine Society
First of four wines I enjoyed from Nick Stephen's excellent Bordeaux Undiscovered petit chateauz range. 13.5% ABV. Merlot /CabSauv 50/50 blend. £7.99 from Bordeaux Undiscovered. Clear, light ruby colour. Full, fruity nose, black fruits. Plummy on the palate, a rather short finish, with soft tannins. Seems to be from quite young vines made to be drunk young, perhaps. From 2010, drink now. 14/20.