2016 Chateau Lilian Ladouys (375ml)

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.

Totally opaque midnight black dark red colour with a vibrant deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated ripe red currant and mulberry aromas are interwoven with dusty vanillin cedar, earth, subtle dried herbs and spice. Elegantly structured, rich red to black currant and ripe mulberry fruits fill the medium to full bodied palate. Subtle liquorice, vanillin cedar, earthy graphite and spice elements add complexity. Well balanced bright acidity with sturdy yet finely tuned tannins provide some grip to the finish. Excellent length with a long, slightly chewy aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is a blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot aged in 30% new French oak for 15 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of baked plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake with bay leaves, pencil lead and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and packed with vibrant flavor layers, it finishes long.
91 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate

The blueberry and blackberry aromas are certainly attractive here. Full-bodied and dense with a very velvety texture and a long, generous finish of ripe fruit and spice. Drink from 2022.
93 points
James Suckling

This is the third time I have tasted the 2016 Lilian Ladouys in bottle. It retains a very intense blackberry and boysenberry bouquet laced with minerals, but displays a little more amplitude than it did in August. The tightly knit palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and still shows the graphite seam that I remarked upon previously. There is a little more persistence now, hence the slightly higher score. Good potential.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is just as beautiful from bottle as it was from barrel. Lifted, silky and exceptionally perfumed, the 2016 has so much to offer. Bright red toned fruits laced with expressive floral top notes run through this sensual, totally gracious Saint-Estèphe. There is so much to like. Lilian Ladouys is a rare Saint-Estèphe where Merlot takes precedence over Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted two times.
91 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

A perennial overachiever, the 2016 Château Lilian Ladouys brings the goods in 2016 and has a complex, medium to full-bodied, character-filled style to go with loads of blue fruits, incense, dried herbs, and a hint of violets. A blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot all raised in 30% new barrels, this charming, front end-loaded effort is well worth seeking out. It should keep for 10-15 years.
92 points
Jeb Dunnuck