Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2019 [WE 95]

Rated 95 by Wine Enthusiast

Barrel Sample. This full, sumptuous wine brings together ripe tannins and ripe black currant fruits. Its richness, mitigated by the tight acidity and tannins, is full of promise for a long-term future.

Rated 93 by Decanter

A new Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, freshly minted this year (from the 2018 vintage). I would put this right up there with the best vintages from Lilian Ladouys. It feels extremely silky, with such plump blackberry fruits that you could almost drink it straight away but there are tannins here, and the body of the wine closes down as it travels through the palate, suggesting it intends to get serious about ageing potential.

Excellent quality overall, easy to recommend, although acidities are a touch higher than this in 2018 which may not please everyone. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend, 30% new oak. 3.84pH. The harvest took place between 25 September and 9 October. Recently enlarged to 80ha with the addition of vineyards from both Tour de Pez and Clauzet (both good quality estates). Drinking Window 2026 - 2040.

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