2020 Château Lilian Ladouys

The 2020 Château Lilian Ladouys is a graceful, well-balanced Saint‑Estèphe that reflects both richness and restraint, showing the benefits of the estate’s steady improvements. On the nose, it opens with aromas of juicy blackberries and Burlat cherries, layered with cedar spice, subtle licorice, and a touch of orange peel and cocoa. 

On the palate, the wine is medium‑to‑full‑bodied, with an elegant structure and finely grained, velvety tannins.  The fruit core—black cherry, cassis, and dark berry—is framed by a racy backbone of acidity and a hint of mineral austerity.  There’s also a savory side, with bay-leaf or tea‑leaf nuance toward the finish, giving depth and tension. 

In terms of critical reception, the 2020 Lilian Ladouys has earned solid praise:

• Antonio Galloni (Vinous): 90–92, calling it “deep, fleshy and super‑expressive… silky tannins and bright aromatics … a gorgeous wine.”  
• Neal Martin (Vinous): 90–92, noting “light blackberry, raspberry … medium‑bodied … quite peppery … classic Saint‑Estèphe in style.”  
• James Suckling: 92–93, calling it “a very pretty, medium-bodied wine with fine tannins, lovely fruit and a creamy finish.”  
• Wine Enthusiast: 95, praising its “powerful tannins and equally generous black fruits … big, bold and juicy” with long-term ageability.  
• Decanter: 93, highlighting “juicy, well balanced … red and blue fruits … well-integrated tannins.”  

All told, the 2020 Lilian Ladouys is nicely poised for both near-term enjoyment and medium-term cellaring. It shows the typicity of Saint‑Estèphe—structured, complex, mineral—and will benefit from 5–10 years in bottle, with the potential to last into the next decade.

Local pickup only - Dayton, OH