Lilian Ladouys 2018 (750ML)

90-92 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "In 2018, the Lorenzetti family purchased two neighbor estates, Château Clauzet and Château Tour de Pez, adding these to the Lilian Ladouys vineyard to almost double its planted area to 77 hectares. These additional vineyards are composed of gravelly soils of the same level as the best blocks of Lilian Ladouys. Soils are a typically Saint-Estèphe mix of sandy-gravel and clay with some limestone deposits. It is planted at 8,500-10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of 35 years in 2018. The wine will see 12 months aging in 35% new and 65% two-year-old barriques. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has 14.41% alcohol. From the lieu-dit Blanquet and with a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lilian Ladouys gives up wonderfully spicy black fruit preserves notions: plum preserves, crème de cassis and blueberry with hints of exotic spices, menthol and violets. Medium to full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of rich, spicy black fruits with a lift to the finish." 4/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is showing nicely now that the wine is in bottle. It has a riper bouquet compared to, say, the Calon-Ségur, more lush – a 2018 with wider appeal, featuring blueberry and cassis scents that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It is not the most powerful Lilian Ladouys in recent years, safeguarding its linearity and strictness all the way through to the finish. But it conveys a sense of classicism and has abundant freshness that should see it age well over the next two decades." 03/21

94 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Blackcurrant, bitter-chocolate, dried-lavender and graphite aromas. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Tight and mineral at the moment. Really well-crafted." 01/21

90 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This has a nice winey core of steeped red and black currant fruit laced with bay, charcoal, savory and olive notes. The fruit keeps pace through the mineral-edged finish, with a late tug of dark earth. Solid, if just slightly on the rustic side of the stylistic ledger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2031. 28,300 cases made." 03/21

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This was the first estate that Jacky Lorenzetti bought back in 2007, and it has recently been enlarged to 80ha with the addition of vineyards from both Tour de Pez and Clauzet (both high quality names, so not sacrificing quality for expansion). Taking into account the new purchases, Lilian Ladouys is planted as of 2018 to 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The colour is rich and red, not as concentrated as some. There's a real bounce and juiciness through the palate, but also a sense of restraint and austerity. It feels ripe but not overripe, and well held together. A relatively gentle, appetising wine with a floral touch, this will be ready to drink relatively soon." 4/19

91-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "A perennial over-achiever, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys doesn't disappoint and offers classic notes of black and blue fruits, damp earth, violets, and a touch of minerality. Made from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot aging in 35% new French oak, this medium to full-bodied 2018 has beautiful purity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's going to be a brilliant value." 5/19