Château Lilian Ladouys 2021

A rich and sophisticated Saint-Estèphe wine

The estate

An estate with a rich history, the origins of Château Lilian Ladouys date back to 1564, when the property was a fief of Jacques de Bercoyan, lord of Lafite. The estate has recently entered a new phase of its history, following its acquisition by the Lorenzetti family in 2008. Since 2018, Manon Lorenzetti has been at the head of Château Lilian Ladouys, investing her own dynamic energy in the estate, which elevated it to the highest levels of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. In 2019, the cellar underwent an extension and renovation, designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Following the new classification of 2020, Château Lilian Ladouys has been designated Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.

The vineyard

Château Lilian Ladouys 2021 is a Saint-Estèphe wine made from 80 hectares of vines planted on the clayey gravels typical to the appellation. The vineyard has been certified HEV level 3 (High Environmental Value) since 2018 and in conversion to organic farming since 2020.

The vintage

While the particularly cool period in April led to a heterogeneous development of the vineyard, the heavy rainfall in June favoured strong mildew pressure. The diligence of the teams enabled them to preserve the sanitary condition of the terroir. The milder conditions in August and September were ideal for boosting the grapes' ripeness levels. The harvest took place from September 28th to October 8th. The temperature variations recorded at the beginning of October helped to refine the ripening process all while preserving the freshness of the four grape varieties. The grapes reveal a subtle marriage between balance, freshness, concentration and maturity. 2021 is defined as a cooler and more traditional vintage, following 3 sun-drenched vintages.

Vinification and ageing

The wine is aged in oak barrels, 30% of which are new.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (53%)

Merlot (40%)

Petit Verdot (6%)

Cabernet Franc (1%).

Château Lilian Ladouys 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

Nose

Rich and intense, the nose blends fragrances of fresh fruit, incense and bitter cocoa.

Palate

Ample and velvety, the mouth offers an alluring finesse and structure.