Chateau Lilian Laduoys 2009

The colour is still youngish- a deep ruby core with a medium rim. The bouquet releases fresh dark fruit, notes spices, toast, and graphite. On the palate, it is fruity(black and red currants, orange peel), rounded and refined, with sound and perfectly integrated tannins. Of medium length, this elegant wine benefitted from 13 years of ageing to bring out a richness beyond a humble Cru Bourgeois. It is rich for the CB standard: 14% ABV; 16 months of oak ageing(50% new); cabernet-based (60%), by Eric Boissensoit, who has been to us making fine, elegant wines.

Lilian Ladouys is a Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois that took a long time to find its style of today. And it is very affordably priced, especially for 2009 of this quality.

Scores are outstanding for the price.

93 points James Suckling

Best wine ever from here, with layers of ripe fruit, spices and milk chocolate character. Full and long. Velvety. Gorgeous. Best after 2018.

92 points Wine Spectator

On the toasty, more modern side of the spectrum, with ambitious roasted fig, apple wood and blueberry confiture notes followed by racy graphite, espresso and blackberry pâte de fruit. Not shy, but has the density for balance. Best from 2013 through 2024. (JM)