The 2009 Chateau Louis is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Yields were a ridiculously low 13 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol is 14.5%. Loamy soil notes intermixed with kirsch and black fruits as well as some licorice, forest floor, and some toasty oak jump from the glass. It is full-bodied, powerful, backward and in need of 3-4 years of cellaring. This estate was purchased in 2006 by the owner of the famous Parisian bistro, L’Ami Louis (a personal favorite of mine since 1976), Thierry De la Brosse, but he died tragically before he could realize his dream of resurrecting this property, which was once known as Rol de Fombrauge. However, life goes on, as they say, and Stephane Derenoncourt has been brought in to manage the property, which is now up to just over 10 acres. Both of these wines are far superior from bottle than they were early in their lives.