Castle Lilian Ladouys - Saint-Estèphe 2013

Wine Spectator

85 / 100

the3/31/2016

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

A soft and silky red with plum and iron aromas and flavors. Medium bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Solid red for the vintage. Clean finish. Better in 2018.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

Finally showing signs of a renaissance in quality, this large 110-acre estate in St.-Estephe has turned out a reasonably good effort in 2013 that should be realistically priced as well. Normally this is a blend of at least 50% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon with a tiny portion of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Not a lot of new oak is used, so the wine tends to show lots of earth, spice box, cedar wood, tobacco leaf and red and black currants. The 2013 does that in a somewhat superficial, but pleasant and attractive style. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

Vinous

86-88 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/17/2014

The 2013 Lilian Ladouys shows good depth and plenty of potential. Violets, red stone fruits, wild flowers and cinnamon all lift from the glass in a wine that offers tons of personality and polish in its peer group. This should be a solid value from St. Estèphe. I very much like the sense of energy here. Tasted twice.

My Bettane + Desseauve

14,5 / 20

the4/15/2014

Bon équilibre général, texture généreuse pour l’année, mais portée par un tannin souple, pas beaucoup de personnalité par rapport au potentiel du terroir.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The Lilian Ladouys has a lovely floral bouquet that has pretty fresh strawberry and red cherry scents surfacing with time. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with sweet tannins, low acidity and a pleasant, easy-drinking, soft finish. This is clean and pleasurable.

Decanter.com

16 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/14/2014

Fine Cabernet nose with briary fruit, middle ripeness and good structure.

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

Lots of pretty spice and berry character, with hints of grilled meat. Medium body, good core of fruit and a decadent finish.      

Wine Enthusiast

88-90 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/3/2014

An attractive, fruity wine that is already soft and fresh. The mineral texture adds some complexity and suggests the wine has potential.            

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/3/2014

Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte,Granatschimmer am Rand. Süssliches Bouquet, etwas Brotkruste, reife Pflaumen und getrocknete Pfefferkörner. Im Gaumen mit erstaunlich viel Charme ausgestattet, zeigt dann doch noch feine Muskeln, welche aber eher von den Appellationsmerkmalen kommen. Gehört zu den spannenderen Werten in dem sonst schwach bestückten Jahr. 17/20 2019 - 2035

Wine Spectator

85-88 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Light, with a modest core of cherry and pomegranate, backed by a floral whiff on the finish. Offers pretty fruit but comes up shy on depth. —J.M.