Lilian Ladouys - Saint-Estèphe 2023

Vinous

88

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 Lilian Ladouys was a wine that never quite clicked for me out of barrel. Now in bottle, it has a relatively light, tertiary bouquet with mainly black fruit, with a touch of sea spray. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, moderate depth, a little loose-knit toward the finish. Early drinking.

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

Violets, graphite and mulberries, with a touch of licorice. The medium- to full-bodied palate has fleshy, juicy dark fruit and expansive, fine-grained and focused tannins, leading to a savory finish. A blend of 57% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. Better from 2028.

Yvesbeck.wine

93-94

byYves Beckthe5/14/2024

Lilian Ladouys offenbart sein Terroir und seine Frische. Die Merlots haben gut von der vor mehreren Jahren begonnenen Arbeit profitiert, sie auf Böden umzusiedeln, die ihnen besser liegen (Lehm-Kalkstein). Das Terroir zeigt sich in mineralischen Noten, die mit Düften von schwarzen Beeren, Pfeffer und Eukalyptus gepaart sind. Der Wein offenbart sich in einem Crescendo mit einem eher schlanken Einstieg in die Substanz, der durch die Mitte des Gaumens kompensiert wird, wo die Tannine Kraft und Breite bilden. Das Ensemble muss sich noch verkeilen, aber die gezeigten Prädispositionen sind erfreulich.

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Herbs, cherries, spice, tobacco, and red currants show in the nose, and on the medium-bodied, fresh, soft, brisk, spicy, chewy, red berry palate. The wine blends 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. 12.9% ABV, 3.81 pH. Drink from 2028-2042. 91-93 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe5/6/2024

Juicy black fruits, concentrated without being overdone, well judged in its balance and drinkability, with plenty of firm St Estèphe tannic architecture and a liqourice root signoff. 400l barrels for ageing, 30% new oak. Previously a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, but they have now stepped back from the ranking. Last year of organic conversion, to be certified in 2024, with an impressive 50hl/h yield. Give it three or four years after bottling to fully soften.

Vinous

91-93

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2024

The 2023 Lilian Ladouys is gorgeous. Bright, fruity and vibrant, the 2023 impresses with the purity of its fruit. A burst of dark red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, spice, mint and rose petal gives the 2023 a wonderful sense of sheer appeal. Over the last few years, Lilian Ladouys has been on the rise. Aging 20% of the wine in 400-liter barrels is an approach that works so well here.

Vinous

88-90

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 Lilian Ladouys has a backward bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and a light estuarine scent, touches of violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a creamy-textured opening, fine acidity and a sweet core of fruit that needs a little more amplitude on the finish. It’s maybe a bit on the conservative side, but it should give a decade's drinking pleasure.

Falstaff

91

byPeter Moserthe4/29/2024

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening at the edge. Fresh red cherries, floral touch, hints of blackberries, a hint of orange zest. Juicy, fine fruit expression, round tannins, freshly structured, an elegant, animating food wine.

Alexandre Ma

92-94

byAlexandre Mathe4/28/2024

Wine Advocate

91-93

byWilliam Kelleythe4/26/2024

After four Merlot-dominant vintages, the 2023 Lilian Ladouys, with 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects what will be the new norm for this estate as restructured parcels return to production. Offering up aromas of dark berries, lilac and licorice, it's medium-bodied, fleshy and suave, with a charming, supple profile and attractive purity and precision. Some 20% of the blend is maturing in larger 400-liter barrels.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

A crunchy wine with blackcurrant, blueberry and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, creamy and polished. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc.

Vertdevin

93-94

byJonathan Chicheportichethe4/24/2024

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe4/15/2024

Juicy black fruits, concentrated without being overdone, well judged in its balance and drinkability, with plenty of firm St Estèphe tannic architecture and a liqourice root signoff. 400l barrels for ageing, 30% new oak. Previously a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, but they have now stepped back from the ranking. Last year of organic conversion, to be certified in 2024, with an impressive 50hl/h yield. Give it three or four years after bottling to fully soften.