Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2014

WEINWISSER: "55 % Merlot, 40 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 % Petit Verdot, 2 % Cabernet Franc. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Geniales Bouquet voll von Cassis und Brombeeren, fast rahmig im Ansatz und somit weit ausladend. Der Gaumen bleibt schwarz- bis blaubeerig, die Tannine bilden Adstringenz und Rückgrat, im Finale zeigt er Kraft und Potential. Ein eingefahrenes Erlebnis eines perfekt vinifizierten Lilian Ladouys. Hier zeigt sich, dass man moderne Vinifikation mit klassischen Grundlagen vermischen kann."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Love the black-truffle and dark-berry aromas here that follow through to a firm, full-bodied palate with polished and chewy tannins. Juicy and real. Better in two or three years, but already very pretty."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Under the ownership of Jacky Lorenzetti, president of one of France's top rugby clubs, this estate is now performing impressively. The wine is finely structured with dark tannins and tight acidity and a hint of minerality. It is Merlot dominated, although it is the 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that brings out the black-currant fruitiness. Drink from 2022."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Licorice, black raspberries, tobacco, smoky cherries, spice and cedar characteristics come out in the medium/full bodied, dusty textured finish."

WINEADVOCATE: "The 2014 Lilian Ladouys 2014 has a crisp, masculine, tightly wound bouquet with blackberry, briary and cedar emerging with aeration. There is clearly prudent use of oak here, complementing rather than dominating the wine. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a pleasant sous-Bois note underpinning the layers of cedary black fruit and a touch of spiciness on the finish. This comes highly recommended plus great value."

DECANTER: "Jacky Lorenzetti has invested heavily in this estate since he came on board, and the wine is now reaping the rewards, with the excellent Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen as winemaker. It's showing a good balance of exotic spice and gentle finessing of the raspberry and blackberry fruits. This is a good quality Cru Bourgeois, well handled with good extraction, from 30ha of gravel over limestone. 30% new oak, with 2% Cabernet Franc rounding out the blend. Drinking Window 2019 - 2032."

WINESPECTATOR: "Juicy, with good briary energy to the core of crushed plum and black currant fruit. Bay and tobacco notes fill in on the finish, adding range, though the fruit holds the upper hand easily. Best from 2018 through 2026. 18,335 cases made."