Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2016

The estate began in 1564 when Jacques de Becoyran, the Lord of Lafite, held the estate as a fief. Yes that Lafite!. In fact Chateau Lafite Rothschild in a few hundred meters away from the estate. The estate was originally called La Doys. The Barres family owned the estate for over 150 years and hey were responsible for construction of the Chateau. The early part of the 20th century was not so kind to the estate. Wars, economic crisis and other tings caused the estate to be broken up and forgotten. In the mid 1980, Christian and Lilian Thieblot acquired the property and changed the name to Chateau Lilian Ladouys. In 2008, Jacky and Francoise Lorenzetti acquired the property. Through recent acquisitions, the estate now covers 80 hectares. The vineyard is planted with 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Jacky and Francoise Lorenzetti are co owners of Chateau d'Issan in Margaux and Chateau Pedesclaux in Pauillac.

Wine Spectator: 91
Very lively, featuring a fun mix of cassis, plum paste and cherry preserve flavors, framed with floral and mineral notes. The light-handed toast lets the fruit shine through the finish, with persistent chalky minerality. Best from 2021 through 2031. 25,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate: 91
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

Decanter: 92
The nose reflects very ripe red and black fruit, and even some exotic notes, which could take some by surprise. But the palate is more balanced, showing fresh cassis on the finish, which has a long lift, and almost suggests the grapefruit freshness of a white wine! I like the mid-palate sap. An excellent wine and miles better than its New World-style and less terroir-driven 2010, also tasted. Drinking Window 2020 - 2030.

Decanter: 92

The nose reflects very ripe red and black fruit, and even some exotic notes, which could take some by surprise. But the palate is more balanced, showing fresh cassis on the finish, which has a long lift, and almost suggests the grapefruit freshness of a white wine! I like the mid-palate sap. An excellent wine and miles better than its New World-style and less terroir-driven 2010, also tasted. Drinking Window 2020 - 2030.

Wine Enthusiast: 92
Now under the same ownership as vastly improved Château Pedesclaux in Pauillac, this estate is also on the upward quality curve. This wine has the structure and tannins of a classic Saint-Estèphe as well as juicy, rich black fruits. With aging potential, the wine should be ready to drink from 2024.

Vinous: 92
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.

Vinous: 92

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.

James Suckling: 93
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.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92
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.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92

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.