I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
An intense ruby red colour with some signs of ageing. Aromas include dark berries such as elderberry and blackberry, complemented by herbs, green bell pepper, and subtle roasted notes, all adding to a fresh impression. On the palate, Loudenne 2015 is round and elegant, with fine tannins, lively acidity, and good length—qualities highlighted in Falstaff's review, which awarded this humble Cru Bourgeois a notable 92 points.
We agree with this view. Loudenne 2015 stands out for its elegance, low alcohol, bright acidity, red fruit, finesse, sense of place, a touch of salinity, balanced 13% ABV, and overall harmony. It shows that a good bottle of wine is not just about ripeness or richness, but about balance, character, and a clear sense of where it comes from.
If you prefer elegance and a clear sense of where a wine comes from over richness, Loudenne 2015 is a great choice.
Made from 52% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc, on centuries-old gravel and whose lower layers are dense with clay, this château's wine, grown in the estuary region, shows unique qualities, especially in a warm year like 2015. Compared to other recent vintages, it stands out for its balance and easy-drinking style. The 2014 was firmer and more tannic with less ripe fruit, while the 2016 is more structured and intense and will get better with more ageing—the 2015 mixes freshness and elegance, so it's ready to enjoy now. Critics look for different things; some value authenticity, while others prefer famous names. Scores can help, but your own taste is what matters most.
The château's 400-year history adds to its charm and influences how people view the wine, not just how it tastes. In today's Bordeaux, freshness and a clear sense of place matter more than ever, which could explain why Falstaff gave it a high rating.
A good review can help Loudenne get attention, but a single score rarely changes its market position. If Falstaff had tasted the wine without knowing its name, they would have noticed its real character, not just its reputation. In the end, your own preferences matter more than any score.
Most major critics don't often review Château Loudenne 2015, and when they do, the scores are usually modest. Falstaff's 92 is unusual; most similar wines get scores between 85 and 89. For example, Wine Enthusiast gave it 86–88 and called it classic and firm. Decanter gave it 88 for its authenticity and restraint. Vivino users often describe it as fresh and savoury, but not rich.
These reviews notice Loudenne's solid, traditional style and moderate fruit, but they don't call it excellent. Still, they highlight the unique character of Loudenne 2015, a wine that invites both debate and appreciation from those open to something different. If you're curious about Bordeaux's variety, trying Loudenne 2015 yourself could give you a new perspective on what makes this wine, and the discussion around it, so interesting.
To serve, chill the bottle slightly, let it stand upright for two hours, then open it and pour a small glass to let it breathe. Pair it with dried meats to highlight the wine's character.
Updated: Mar 15
I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
Château Olivier 2014 shows how Bordeaux is evolving—combining classic roots with a modern style. Aged 14 months in barrel (40% new oak), it blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Grand Cru Classé in Pessac-Léognan, Olivier is known for both red and white wines and has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Since 2012, winemaker Laurent Lebrun has focused on clarity, structure, and a polished style, planting about 7,000 vines per hectare for concentration.
Nose the 2014 and find blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, cedar, toasted spice, coconut, and smokiness. Graphite and earth emerge, with floral notes as it opens. The palate offers ripe dark fruit and sweet baking spice, balanced by firm tannins, lively acidity, and a dry, focused and medium finish at 13.5% ABV.
Instead of plush New World style, Olivier 2014 emphasises density and new oak—modern strength over classic terroir. This places the wine between tradition and modernity, making change central to its character. Really, Olivier 2014 sits between tradition and innovation, challenging expectations and showing Bordeaux's evolution. It may not fully please strict traditionalists or New World fans, but it's a strong example of tregion's changing reputation.
Some traditionalists find Olivier's 2014 too modern; New World fans may find it not fruity enough. Critics are split: Neal Martin notes its modern clarity and structure, JaRobinson's team questions its tradition, and Decanter praises its ambition but notes neutrality. These views highlBordeaux'saux's evolving identity.
Other wine writers have shared their thoughts on this wine, too:
James Suckling awarded a score of 92, saying i" is "Juicy, vivid, fine tannins, with a mineral edge.
Decanter gave Olivier 2014 a score of 91, praising its ambition, polish, fine tannins, mineral edge, and balanced style.
Jane Anson notes that Olivier is a wine that fuses tradition and modernity, reflecting the region's style.
Olivier 2014 appeals to those who enjoy both tradition and modern touches—perfect for anyone curious about Bordeaux's changes. This isn't typical Bordeaux—it sits between tradition and innovation. With structure, oak, and modern style, it's ideal for adventurous drinkers and those interested in Bordeaux's evolution. Let it breathe to reveal earth, spice, and graphite. Enjoy now or age until 2030 for more depth.
Château Olivier 2014 is recommended for adventurous drinkers seeking a contemporary twist on classic Bordeaux. If you enjoy bold New World flavours and Old World complexity, this wine may offer a lively mix ideal for those open to new experiences.
The best way to know this wine is to try it. Serve at 18°C, decant for 30 minutes, and use a large Bordeaux glass. Enjoy with friends or cellar up to 5 years for greater complexity. With age, expect softer tannins, more earth, cedar, and spice, and a more elegant profile. For older bottles, decant gently to preserve aromas.
This quick snapshot gives you the essentials, from history and winemaking style to what the critics are saying, so you can get to know Château Olivier 2014 at a glance.
I hunt down value wines with soul, the kind that tell stories, spark debates, and challenge your assumptions about what good and "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236746 or email cf.lau@dunndunn.hk - Kevin K Tang
Trotte Vieille 2007, a Grand Cru from Saint-Émilion, is the kind of wine that whispers rather than shouts. Its elegance and ageability attract those who value subtlety over spectacle. Refined tannins, red fruit, and a whisper of earthiness come together with the quiet confidence of old Bordeaux, offering classic French maturity at a modest price—a secret for those in the know. This is not a trophy bottle for show-offs, but a soulful companion for true enthusiasts.
The name “Trotte Vieille” comes from a local legend about an old woman who was often seen briskly “trotting” near the estate to gather news, which gave the château its name. (Château Trotte Vieille, 2024)
What sets Trotte Vieille apart in the Saint-Émilion Classé B crowd is its refusal to chase trends. The 2007 vintage still flexes its tannic muscle, delivering a wine that prefers a well-tailored suit to flashy couture. Here, structure trumps opulence—think precision, not excess.
Opinions on the 2007 Trotte Vieille are as divided as a Hong Kong dinner table. The Wine Advocate and its followers found it balanced and elegant for the vintage (RP89), while Jancis Robinson’s camp deemed it a touch lean and austere (16/20). Yet there’s consensus: this is a bottle for classicists, not fruit bomb devotees. If you crave plush, modern Saint-Émilion, look elsewhere—this wine is all about restraint and old-world charm.
Price, too, adds to the intrigue. Vintage 2007 might be the underdog, but Trotte Vieille is the smart player—the value pick in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé B. At HK$370 per mature bottle (15+ years), it’s a rare Bordeaux that lets you drink history without breaking the bank. Many of its peers fetch HK$500–$800 for the same age and pedigree, making this wine a quiet jackpot for savvy buyers.
A comparison between St-Émilion GCC B s and Trotte-Vieille may go like this. Unlike some peers that favour plush fruit and modern extraction, like La Dominique or Fombrauge, Trotte Vieille is elegant, subtle, and fresh. It ages well, gaining complexity, but can seem less showy when young. Its strong connoisseur reputation suits those seeking authentic Bordeaux over trophy wines. Price-wise, Trotte Vieille is often below trendier Classé B labels and offers strong value—Liv-ex and Wine-Searcher show it trades for less than estates like Clos Fourtet, Canon, or La Gaffelière, despite similar quality and ageing potential. Critics call Trotte Vieille a "smart buy" for those who value understated excellence and good prices. (Voss, 2010).
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