Château Lilian Ladouys 2020

Smoky and fruity, still very marked by élevage and therefore quite closed; full attack, robust structure, even somewhat angular, firm tannins, good length; successful, but should age a bit further.

Ripe fruit aromas presaged a smooth and silky palate, albeit with some modern glossy aspects. The finish is marked by plenty of upfront ripe fruit. A wine to enjoy on its own, or try with veal in a cream and mushroom sauce, or mushroom risotto.

This is a young 2020 that finishes seriously, with solid, polished tannins and plenty of juicy fruit. Medium-bodied. Racy structure. Excellent length on the finish. Try after 2025.

59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Peppery nose, the palate shows more of a red-fruit character. Juicy and svelte, with fine, resolved tannins. Slightly pinched finish. Overall, a little underwhelming at present but it has a certain length and drive. (JL)

Fresh espresso, blackberries, flowers, spice box, chocolate and spearmint create the complex nose. On the palate, the wine really shines with its layers of ripe, sweet, fresh and vibrant cherries and blackberries, creamy tannins and a hint of cocoa on the finish. And as good as this wine is, it sells for a song. Fans of Left Bank Bordeaux should be all over this gem. Drink from 2024-2040.

Pure and classic nose showing ripe, inky fruit, small dark berries, a touch of graphite with mild oak; dense palate with fine polish, ample dark fruit and fine length.

Seemingly always terrific, the 2020 Château Lilian Ladouys shows the class of the vintage and has a medium- to full-bodied, concentrated yet silky, perfectly balanced style with tons to love. Darker fruits, damp earth, truffle, and beautiful spice-driven aromatics define this beauty, and while it's already accessible, I'm sure it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 2021: (59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.44% vol. alcohol) Deep, dense, dark, mineral bouquet, prunes, cassis cream, charcoal, liquorice. Velvety, dense, creamy, well‑balanced palate with powerful, velvety dark fruit, plenty of fine tannins, concentrated structure, intense sweet aromatics, long, creamy finish with lots of lingering after‑aromas.

(59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 13.44% vol. alcohol) Deep, dense, dark, mineral bouquet; prunes, cassis cream, coal, licorice. Velvety, dense, creamy, well-balanced palate with powerful, velvety dark fruit, plenty of fine tannin, concentrated structure, intense sweet aromatics, long, creamy finish with lots of lingering flavors. 18/20 2027 - 2048

This is superlative stuff, confident and enjoyable, although it has the slightly fierce tannins of St Estèphe, and needs to smooth out further with a few more years in bottle. Love the dark chocolate and slate combination that slows things down, adding texture and restraint to the ripe berry fruits. 35% new oak, harvest September 15 to 30.

The 2020 Lilian Ladouys has a deep garnet-purple color. It rolls out with open-knit notes of crushed blackberries and blackcurrants, plus hints of star anise and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is juicy and uncomplicated, with a racy backbone and a pleasantly chewy finish.

90-91

On the nose, a herbal freshness with red fruits that are both lively and inviting. Supple and delectable on the palate, with fine, elegant tannins. A serious, refined and subtle cuvée, with good ageing potential, that will appeal to all wine lovers.

Lilian Ladouys 2020 shows a fine diversity and offers plenty of appeal, both on the nose and on the palate! It showcases its terroir while keeping the hallmark power in check. It even goes a step further, complementing that power with finesse. A kind of Iron Man dancing the salsa. It even reminds me of the estate’s Director! It is undeniably a great Lilian Ladouys. Patience will be required, as it is armed with tannins.

93–95. Barrel Sample. The combination of powerful tannins and equally generous black fruits is a fine harbinger for this wine's development. Big, bold and juicy with a dense structure, the wine is for longterm aging.

The 2020 delivers on its promises: a lovely wine with a profile that is both classic and gourmand, and one you can already start to enjoy. It has good volume, with polished, well-integrated tannins. A great buy.