2023 Château Lilian Ladouys En Primeur
2023 Château Lilian Ladouys is released this morning at £144 per dozen, 17% below the release price of the 2022 and with the same or better scores from the critics.
This Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel-rated estate in St-Estèphe is owned by Jackie Lorenzetti, also owner of Pauillac Fifth Growth Pedesclaux. Anyone who has visited Pedesclaux and seen the 18th-century château encased in a modern high-architecture structure of glass and steel will know that Lorenzetti likes to do things on a grand scale. Lilian Ladouys has already been elevated to 'Exceptionnel' status in the last Cru Bourgeois classification, although they have now decided to opt out of the system.
The 2023s from St-Estèphe stood out for us this year as being very typical of the terroir, with lots of fine tannins enveloping a dark core of black fruit on the mid-palate. 'Balance' and 'freshness' were our most often used descriptors and, given the ambition at Lilian Ladouys, we were pleased to find the same is true here, with no over-extraction or concentration. This is an elegant St-Estèphe offering exceptional value at just £12 per bottle in bond.
Offered en primeur, landing spring 2026.
Magnums available with £15 ex-VAT bottling surcharge, please enquire for other formats.
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.
| RED | 2023 | Château Lilian Ladouys | 75cl | £144 per case of 12 | Château Lilian Ladouys 2023 / / 75cl £144 per case of 12 |
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Tasting Notes"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. 91-93 points" William Kelley, RobertParker.com------"A crunchy wine with blackcurrant, blueberry and crushedstone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, creamy and polished. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. 92-93 points" jamessuckling.com------"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. 93 points" janeanson.com |
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