A classic St Estèphe, top to bottom with power and freshness, blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, firm tannins, confident and clean acidities on the finish, given focus by orange peel and bitter almond. Plenty of character. 30% new oak, 46ha, Eric Boissenot consultant, Jacky Lorenzetti owner, Vincent Bache-Gabrilesen director.

Fresh, spicy cassis, licorice and blackberry have exploded all over the place in the best vintage yet for Lilian Ladouys. With textbook tannins, fresh fruit, length and lovability, the wine was made from a blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot with 13.6% alcohol and a pH of 3.67. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Chateau%20Lilian%20Ladouys

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. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-lilian-ladouys-st-estephe-bordeaux-france-2016-10931#7JUJLqpFI5Q6zM1Y.99

A perennial overachiever, the 2016 Château Lilian Ladouys brings the goods in 2016 and has a complex, medium to full-bodied, character-filled style to go with loads of blue fruits, incense, dried herbs, and a hint of violets. A blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot all raised in 30% new barrels, this charming, front end-loaded effort is well worth seeking out. It should keep for 10-15 years.

Now under the same ownership as vastly improved Château Pedesclaux in Pauillac, this estate is also on the upward quality curve. This wine has the structure and tannins of a classic Saint-Estèphe as well as juicy, rich black fruits. With aging potential, the wine should be ready to drink from 2024.

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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

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. 25,000 cases made. — JM