The nose reflects very ripe red and black fruit, and even some exotic notes, which could take some by surprise. But the palate is more balanced, showing fresh cassis on the finish, which has a long lift, and almost suggests the grapefruit freshness of a white wine! I like the mid-palate sap. An excellent wine and miles better than its New World-style and less terroir-driven 2010, also tasted. 92 points-Decanter, June 10, 2019

Better in 2020 - 2030

DETAILS

Type: Red Producer: Chateau Lilian Ladouys Appellation: Saint-Estephe Vintage: 2016 Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Country: France Region: Bordeaux Style: Savoury and Classic Alcohol: 13,5% Content: 750ml Allergens: Contains Sulfites

AWARDS AND REVIEWS

92 points Neal Martin-Vinous


This is the third time I have tasted the 2016 Lilian Ladouys in bottle. It retains a very intense blackberry and boysenberry bouquet laced with minerals, but displays a little more amplitude than it did in August. The tightly knit palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and still shows the graphite seam that I remarked upon previously. There is a little more persistence now, hence the slightly higher score. Good potential.


92 points Decanter




91 points Wine Spectator




Very lively, featuring a fun mix of cassis, plum paste and cherry preserve flavors, framed with floral and mineral notes. The light-handed toast lets the fruit shine through the finish, with persistent chalky minerality. Best from 2021 through 2031. James Molesworth
91 points Wine Advocate



The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is a blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot aged in 30% new French oak for 15 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of baked plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake with bay leaves, pencil lead and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and packed with vibrant flavor layers, it finishes long.by Lisa Perrotti-Brown