Chateau Lilian Ladouys Saint Estephe 2016

Château Lilian Ladouys is a left-bank Bordeaux wine estate in Saint-Estèphe and like many wineries in the region, its grand vin is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend. The estate has several centuries of history, rising in prominence in the early 20th century, and was classified as a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur estate in 1932, and again in 2003 before the classification was annulled in 2007. The vineyard covers roughly 50 hectares (123 acres) and is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Lilian Ladouys is soft, plump and incredibly appealing. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and sweet spice notes are all pushed forward. This is an absolutely delicious, joyous bottle of wine to enjoy for its primary fruit and raciness.

The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is opulent and vivacious on a nose of red currant and raspberry fruit, well integrated oak and lovely rose petal aromas. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannins, well-judged acidity, good body and a grippy but detailed finish with veins of blue fruit. This is a joy to drink, but it needs a couple of years. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2023 - 2040

Neal Martin, vinous.com, August 2020

Awards:

93 JamesSuckling

92 Wine Enthusiast

92 Falstaff

93 Jeff Leve

91 Wine Spectator

89 Tim Atkin

VIVINO 3.9