2018 Chateau Lilian Ladouys

Originally known as La Doys, Saint-Estephe property Chateau Lilian Ladouys has 47 hectares of vineyards planted to a mix of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. While the makeup of their vineyards is moving to more gravel and clay soils with recent purchases, there are still areas planted on limestone soils.

Other Reviews....
In 2018, the Lorenzetti family purchased two neighbor estates, Château Clauzet and Château Tour de Pez, adding these to the Lilian Ladouys vineyard to almost double its planted area to 77 hectares. These additional vineyards are composed of gravelly soils of the same level as the best blocks of Lilian Ladouys. Soils are a typically Saint-Estèphe mix of sandy-gravel and clay with some limestone deposits. It is planted at 8,500-10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of 35 years in 2018. The wine will see 12 months aging in 35% new and 65% two-year-old barriques. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has 14.41% alcohol. From the lieu-dit Blanquet and with a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lilian Ladouys gives up wonderfully spicy black fruit preserves notions: plum preserves, crème de cassis and blueberry with hints of exotic spices, menthol and violets. Medium to full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of rich, spicy black fruits with a lift to the finish.
90-92 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate

This has a very pretty lilac note out front, followed by fresh plum and black cherry fruit flavors. Juicy in feel, with the minerality buried at the very end.
90-93 points
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Very pretty blueberries and light wet earth with minerals and lavender. Medium to full body and firm tannins. Lots of of stone character. This has almost 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon in the blend now (50 per cent more), which gives it real line and length. Racy.
93-94 points
James Suckling

The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is a very pretty, polished Saint-Estèphe with bright aromatics and vibrant, red-toned fruit. In 2018, Lilian Ladouys has a bit more depth and textural resonance than is typically the case. All the elements come together in an effortless, gracious wine loaded with class. Best of all Lilian Ladouys is a terrific value. The 2018 is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.
87-90 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

A perennial over-achiever, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys doesn’t disappoint and offers classic notes of black and blue fruits, damp earth, violets, and a touch of minerality. Made from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot aging in 35% new French oak, this medium to full-bodied 2018 has beautiful purity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to be a brilliant value.
91-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck