Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Lilian Ladouys - 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a fine example of the classic Bordeaux expression from the Saint-Estèphe appellation in the Médoc region. The 2020 vintage benefited from an ideal growing season, with healthy, ripe fruit leading to a wine of excellent structure and balance. The blend typically features a dominance of Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, along with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, depending on the vintage. The grapes are carefully sorted and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel, with ageing carried out in French oak barrels, often with a substantial proportion of new oak that adds notes of spice and complexity to the finished wine. The result is a deep ruby-red wine with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violets, and cedar, framed by subtle hints of toast and graphite. On the palate, it displays firm tannins, a robust structure, and a harmonious finish, promising excellent ageing potential.

Saint-Estèphe, situated at the northern tip of the Médoc, is renowned for its gravelly soils mixed with clay, which imbue the wines with notable backbone and longevity. The region’s proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates the climate, offering both warmth and humidity that benefit the vines, allowing slow, even ripening of the grapes. With a winemaking heritage dating back centuries, Saint-Estèphe is famed for producing powerful reds capable of long ageing, yet with a certain rugged charm and approachability in youth, especially in generous vintages such as 2020.

For food pairings, Château Lilian Ladouys 2020 pairs beautifully with roast lamb or beef, game meats such as venison, and classic French dishes like entrecôte bordelaise. The wine’s structure also supports heartier fare such as duck breast with a berry sauce or, for a regional touch, a medley of Médocain charcuterie and aged cheeses.

To fully appreciate its complexity and aromatic depth, serve this wine at 16-18°C. If opened within the next five years, consider decanting it for an hour to soften the tannins and heighten its expressive bouquet. This vintage offers rewarding drinking now, with the promise of further evolution over the coming decade.