2023 Château Lilian Ladouys

Winery Château Lilian Ladouys

Château Lilian Ladouys is a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel from Saint-Estèphe that has gained considerable reputation in recent years. The estate has invested heavily in vineyard restructuring and a shift in style, with a greater focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and precision in vinification. The wines combine classic Saint-Estèphe structure with a more accessible, refined profile, and are increasingly demonstrating greater consistency and quality.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Château Lilian Ladouys is located in Saint-Estèphe, in the northern part of the Médoc. The soils consist of gravel and clay, which contribute to structure, freshness, and ageing potential. The 2023 vintage faced challenging conditions, but careful selection produced wines of remarkable purity and aromatic clarity.

Vineyards

The vineyards have been replanted and redistributed in recent years, which is clearly paying off in 2023. This restructuring has increased the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, which better suits the Saint-Estèphe terroir and creates more tension and precision in the wines.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2023 blend consists of 57 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 percent Merlot, 5 percent Petit Verdot, and 1 percent Cabernet Franc. This blend marks a clear shift toward Cabernet Sauvignon as the backbone of the wine.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The grapes were harvested by hand and vinified by plot. Vinification focuses on preserving fruit purity and texture. Approximately 20 percent of the wine is aged in larger 400-liter oak barrels, which allows for refinement and integration of the wood without overpowering the fruit.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep ruby red color. The nose reveals aromas of dark red and purple fruit, such as blackcurrant and mulberry, complemented by floral notes of violet and lavender. Subtle notes of mint, licorice, and graphite add complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a juicy core of dark fruit and fine-grained, well-focused tannins. The structure is supple yet precise, with fresh acidity that provides energy and a savory, lingering finish.

Development and drinking window

Several drinking windows are mentioned for this vintage. Both Vinous and The Wine Advocate give a range of 2028 to 2038. The wine is designed for aging, but its fruit purity and balance will also make it relatively accessible once it's ready to drink.

Summary of professional reviews

Antonio Galloni of Vinous rated the wine 91-93 points, praising the brightness of the fruit, the floral notes, and the energetic style, emphasizing the château's positive development. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate also awarded it 91-93 points, noting the shift toward Cabernet Sauvignon, the supple texture, and the precision. Jacobo García Andrade awarded the wine 93 points, emphasizing the combination of juicy fruit, graphite notes, and refined tannins.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.