Château Lilian Ladouys 2021 en Primeur

A perennial overachiever, the 2021 Château Lilian Ladouys is no exception and certainly does well in the vintage. Based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc, it has a perfumed bouquet of cassis and black raspberry fruit as well as some background spicy oak. Medium-bodied and balance, with fine tannins, it should easily be an outstanding wine as well as a good value.

 A creamy and velvety red with redcurrants and spices. Some tobacco, too. Medium and juicy. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc.

Milky chocolate blackcurrant notes on the nose. This is beguiling and sweet, very appealing with a succulent and ample palate, fresh and lively, silky and smooth. Gentle and charming with bite and a deep soul. The tannins are still there - austere with this clear bitter dark chocolate note but the fruit is much riper so you get this round, medium mouthfeel, it's expansive and so charming. More noble tannins, sweet and super approachable with perfumed cherries, raspberries, strawberries and red plums. Then the liquorice and bitterness coming through at the end. Nice elements here. It's more approachable than the second wine at this point, lively but still with tension and focus. Lots to like here. 80% grand vin. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040.

Aromas of raspberries, plums and spices, framed by creamy new oak, introduce the 2021 Lilian Ladouys, a medium to full-bodied, charming and seamless wine that's lively and open-knit. It's a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc.