2021 Château Lilian Ladouys En Primeur
Just released at £145 per dozen bottles in bond, 2021 Lilian Ladouys will be one of the best buys from the Left Bank this year. This is a château with a clear mission to rise up through the ranks and was one of just 14 to be awarded 'Exceptionnel' status in the latest Cru Bourgeois classification. We loved the 2021 cask sample and found it full of elegance and charm, as well as the intensity we have come to expect from a Lorenzetti wine.
Since it was purchased by property magnate Jacky Lorenzetti in 2007, the diffuse parcels of vines have been bought, sold and swapped with other estates to unify the vineyards. Lorenzetti is also a rugby club owner and the same bold, highly motivated approach is evident here as at Pedesclaux, his estate in Pauillac, with its hugely impressive new winery.
Just a few hundred metres from both Lafon-Rochet and Cos d'Estournel, the location clearly has the potential to produce wines at a high level. In short and to borrow the famous car dealer's phrase, this is a lot of wine for your money.
Offered en primeur, landing spring 2024.
To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk
Producer Profile
Château Lilian Ladouys, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel St-Estèphe
Château Lilian Ladouys is a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in the commune of St-Estèphe.
The estate was first mentioned in1654 when it was as La Doys. It fell into disrepair in the 1900s before it was purchased by Christian Thieblot and Lilian Thieblot. Lilian Thieblot's name was added to the château name in 1989. It was sold again In 2007 to the property magnate and rugby club owner Jacky Lorenzetti. Lorenzetti also owns Pedesclaux and Haut-Milon in Pauillac, as well as 50% of Chateau d'Issan in Margaux.
The 80 hectares of vineyards are planted to 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. The vines are planted on the Cos Plateau. Formerly split into many parcels, with Lorenzetti's investment, the parcels have been consolidated (and swapped with other estates) to unify the vineyard. The estate has also entered organic conversion. As at Pedesclaux, Lorenzetti clearly has serious intent to raise the quality level here and this has already been recognised with the recent elevation to Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status. Lilian Ladouys is overseen by Lorenzetti's daughter Manon.
