Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Lilian Ladouys - 2023

Château Lilian Ladouys 2023 is a classic red wine from the Saint-Estèphe AOC, located in the prestigious Médoc sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This youthful vintage is predominantly crafted from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and often smaller proportions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, which is typical for the château. The 2023 vintage benefited from favourable climatic conditions, producing grapes of excellent ripeness and structure. Vinification at Château Lilian Ladouys respects Médoc tradition with temperature-controlled fermentations and careful extraction to preserve both the vibrant fruit and the robust tannic backbone, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new to impart subtle toasty, spicy notes.

Saint-Estèphe, situated in the northern part of the Médoc, is renowned for producing some of Bordeaux’s most structured and age-worthy wines. The terroir here is characterised by a mix of gravel and clay soils, conferring power and persistence to the wines. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates the climate, protecting vines from frost and ensuring steady ripening. Historically, Saint-Estèphe has been celebrated for its robust reds that gain complexity with age, often marked by a distinct minerality and freshness that set them apart from neighbouring appellations.

Given its firm structure and generous fruit profile, Château Lilian Ladouys 2023 will pair beautifully with hearty dishes. Traditional pairings include grilled entrecôte steak, roast lamb with herbs, or classic French dishes like duck confit. Regional cuisine such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise or a rich cassoulet will harmonise with the wine’s tannins and dark fruit depth. For a local touch, serve with aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty cheese.

For optimal enjoyment, decant this young Saint-Estèphe for at least an hour to soften its tannins and allow its bouquet to open. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to highlight its vibrant fruit, gentle spice, and refined structure.