Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2014

Château Lillian Ladouys is a Saint-Estèphe sleeper hit.  This hidden gem is considered one of the lucky Crus Bourgeoise Exceptionnel estates.  Thanks to the acquisition by the Lorenzetti family in 2008, the property has been thrust into the limelight once more, and the wine keeps getting better and better.  This wine is one of those wines that is such an extraordinary value, oenophiles often wonder how it can sell for such an incredibly modest sum.  For bargain hunters and connoisseurs alike – Château Lillian Ladouys is certainly a must-try wine before the secret gets out. 
 
Interestingly enough, Château Lilian Ladouys is one of the older estates in the Médoc, with origins that date back to the 1700s. The property was already well-known within the wine world, though it was named La Douys.  The wine produced at the estate was well known throughout the region.  During the 18th century the property was purchased by the Barre family who owned the estate for over a century.  The property fell into disrepair towards the end of their tenure owning the estate, and its fortune changed once Christian Thieblot and Lilian Thieblot began investing and modernizing the property.  The Thieblot family built the château that still stands on the grounds to this day.  The property was named Lilian Ladouys in 1989 in honor of Lilian Thieblot.  Eventually Château Lilian Ladouys was acquired by Jacky Lorenzetti, who was a prominent real estate investor.  Jacky Lorenzetti has invested in other estates in the Médoc, like Château Pedesclaux and Château d’Issan in the Margaux appellation. 
 
Château Lilian Ladouys is an 80-hectare Left Bank property planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.  There are higher percentages of Merlot within these wines, as Merlot generally fairs better in the clay Saint-Estèphe terroir. The vines are on the older side, and are 40 years old on average, with some of the oldest vines at the property coming in at 60 years old.  The terroir is a mixture of clay, gravel, and limestone soils.  The property has decided to make a push to organic viticulture and is planning on being 100% organically farmed in 2023.  The wine is vinified in stainless steel vats, and then aged subsequently in French oak barrels for about 14 to 16 months. 
 
Like many of the best Saint-Estèphes, Château Lilian Ladouys has the versatility of being able to be enjoyed early.  With all that in mind, the wine usually expresses itself best with just a few years in bottle.  Château Lilian Ladouys has a richness and crispness to it, with beautifully integrated oak.  The limestone adds a balance to the power that is so often associated with wines from this part of the Médoc.  It is this limestone, that makes the wine of Château Lilian Ladouys so unique.  There is plenty of ageing potential and it drinks beautifully within 10-20 years.  Château Lilian Ladouys benefits from some decanting, and it is recommended the wine breathes for two to three hours prior to being enjoyed. 

'Good quality, this lacks a little depth but has an attractive mix of cassis and mint leaf that runs right through the centre of the wine and plenty of St Estèphe signature of punchy black fruit, power and acidity. Not as generous as the 2016 that is being tasted alongside, a little tight on the finish, give it an hour or two in a carafe. Harvest September 30 to October 17, 30% new oak, 94% 1st wine. 46ha, Eric Boissenot consultant, director Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen. Owners Jacky and Florence Lorenzetti were expanding the footprint of Lilian Ladouys at the time but were not at the stage they are today.'' Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur (10/6/2022) Ratings: 91 Drink: 2022-2034/2036

"The 2014 Lilian Ladouys 2014 has a crisp, masculine, tightly wound bouquet with blackberry, briary and cedar emerging with aeration. There is clearly prudent use of oak here, complementing rather than dominating the wine. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a pleasant sous-Bois note underpinning the layers of cedary black fruit and a touch of spiciness on the finish. This comes highly recommended plus great value. Tasted February 2017." - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (3/31/17), Ratings: 90, Drink: 2018-2030