Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2016

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. 

''A classic St Estèphe, top to bottom with power and freshness, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, firm tannins, confident and clean acidities on the finish, given focus by orange peel and bitter almond. Plenty of character. 30% new oak, 46ha, Eric Boissenot consultant, Jacky Lorenzetti owner, Vincent Bache-Gabrilesen director.'' - Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur, (10/6/2022), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2022-2036

"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." - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, (11/30/2018), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2019-2031

"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, (02/28/2019), Ratings: 92, Drink: 2019-2034