Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2021

Dunnuck: "A perennial overachiever, the 2021 Château Lilian Ladouys is no exception and certainly does well in the vintage. Based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc, it has a perfumed bouquet of cassis and black raspberry fruit as well as some background spicy oak. Medium-bodied and balance, with fine tannins, it should easily be an outstanding wine as well as a good value."

Suckling: "A creamy and velvety red with redcurrants and spices. Some tobacco, too. Medium and juicy. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc."

Galloni: "The 2021 Lilian Ladouys is precise, elegant and very nicely balanced. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint and spice are all laced together. I especially admire the energy and vibrancy here. This gracious, mid-weight Saint-Estèphe is all class."

Weinwisser: "Anregend rotbeeriges Bouquet, Himbeersaft, erkalteter Früchtetee und Johannisbeerdrops. Am saftigen Gaumen mit cremiger Textur, fein körniger Extraktfülle, stützender Rasse und engmaschigem Körper. Im aromatischen Finale wiederum rote Beeren, heller Tabak und fein sandige Adstringenz."

Wine Cellar Insider: "Spice, smoke, red pit fruits, and cocoa form the nose. On the palate, the wine is forward, soft and vibrant, with a cherry-filled, medium-bodied, fresh, creamy finish. The wine blends 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. And 1% Cabernet Franc. 12.9% ABV. Drink from 2023-to 2035."

Decanter: "Milky chocolate blackcurrant notes on the nose. This is beguiling and sweet, very appealing with a succulent and ample palate, fresh and lively, silky and smooth. Gentle and charming with bite and a deep soul. The tannins are still there - austere with this clear bitter dark chocolate note, but the fruit is ripe so you get this round, medium mouthfeel. Expansive and charming. More noble tannins, sweet and approachable with perfumed cherries, raspberries, strawberries and red plums, then the liquorice and bitterness coming through at the end. It's more approachable than the second wine at this point, lively, but still with tension and focus. Lots to like. Grand vin accounts for 80% of production."