2015 Chateau Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux - 750ml

93 Points – James Suckling.

Château Lilian Ladouys is a well-established Saint-Estèphe property whose vineyards span the gravel and clay-limestone soils of the appellation. The 2015 vintage produced a particularly approachable expression, with its substantial Merlot component bringing generosity and texture while Cabernet Sauvignon supplies the structure and savory Médoc character underneath.

Blend: 52% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc.

Tasting Notes: Black cherry, cassis and plum are joined by violet and graphite, with cedar, tobacco and savory herbs becoming more apparent with air. The palate is rounded and generous, with dark fruit framed by fine tannins and an earthy, lightly mineral character through the finish.

Structure: Medium to full-bodied, with Merlot providing flesh and suppleness through the mid-palate while Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine definition and persistence. The tannins have softened nicely after more than a decade from harvest, leaving sufficient structure without the austerity sometimes associated with young Saint-Estèphe.

Drink Window: Now–2032. The 2015 is in an attractive drinking phase, retaining ample fruit while beginning to develop the cedar, tobacco and earthy complexity of mature Bordeaux. There is enough structure for further evolution, but little need to wait.

Decanting: Decant for approximately 30–45 minutes before serving to allow the aromatics to open and any early sediment to settle. Serve around 60–64°F in a Bordeaux glass.

The 2015 Lilian Ladouys offers an appealing way into mature Saint-Estèphe, with enough bottle age to show developing Bordeaux complexity while retaining generous fruit. Its balance and approachable structure make it particularly well suited to the dinner table, especially with roast beef, lamb, duck, braised meats or mushrooms.