Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2022

DECANTER: "Gorgeous intensity on the nose, vivid and expressive. Rich and well textured on the palate, a lovely succulence and gentle expression with super fine tannins and dark fruit elements alongside mineral notes of salt, liquorice, iodine and crushed stones. Structured and well worked, a little tense and compact still but lovely expression with density and strength. 3.95pH. Total acidity 3.1g/l. 33% new oak barrels. HVE certified. In organic conversion. Harvest: Merlot 13 September, Cabernets 19 September."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Blackberries, blueberries and dark chocolate with some spice. Medium body. Firm and bright. Polished tannins. Very spicy with nutmeg and cloves at the end. 52% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot."

JEB DUNNUCK: "From a château that lost 40% of their production due to hail, the 2022 Château Lilian Ladouys checks in as 52% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. A rich, medium to full-bodied, balanced Saint-Estèphe, it offers pure plum and darker cherry fruits, some chocolate and leafy herb nuances, ripe tannins, and a concentrated, textured mid-palate. It's beautifully done, and I suspect it will represent a great value as well."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, blackberries, peppery spice, and wet earth with a touch of powdered chocolate create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round, lush, sweet, and fresh. The black raspberries are peppery, spicy, and vibrant with an olive, and tobacco leaf accent on the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot. 13.97% ABV. Drink from 2025-2038."