EXCLUSIVE - EXPECTED EARLY 2028 The 2025 Château Lilian Ladouys is a charming and accessible Saint-Estèphe that offers immediate pleasure, yet possesses sufficient structure for further development. The wine combines ripe dark fruit with freshness and soft spicy notes, wrapped in a smooth style that is remarkably approachable for a young Saint-Estèphe. Winery Château Lilian Ladouys Château Lilian Ladouys is one of the interesting producers of Saint-Estèphe and has clearly improved in quality in recent years. The château is situated on the gravel and clay soils of the appellation and is managed with great attention to precision in both the vineyard and the cellar. The style of Lilian Ladouys focuses on accessibility and balance, without losing sight of the classic character of Saint-Estèphe. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. The wine and blend The 2025 Château Lilian Ladouys reveals a softer and immediately accessible side of Saint-Estèphe. The wine combines ripe fruit expression with sufficient tension and structure, making it attractive even when young without losing its classic foundation. Vineyard, terroir and vintage The vineyards are situated on a mix of gravel, clay, and calcareous soils, which ensure both ripeness and freshness in the wine. In 2025, the château managed to strike a beautiful balance between fruit intensity and elegance. The wine displays a ripe, open style, yet remains sufficiently fresh and focused to betray its origins. The vintage here yields a wine with an attractive combination of juiciness and structure, in which the tannins are present but never come across as harsh. Vinification and aging The vinification is aimed at preserving fruit expression and suppleness, making the wine accessible early on. At the same time, sufficient structure remains to allow for several years of aging. The result is a Saint-Estèphe that seeks charm and refinement rather than pure power. Color, smell and taste Deep ruby red in color. On the nose, ripe aromas of black cherries, plums, and dark forest fruit, complemented by notes of new leather, licorice, and subtle spiciness. Floral accents provide extra freshness and elegance. On the palate, medium-bodied and smooth in style, with a juicy core of black fruit and a beautiful balance between freshness and ripeness. The tannins are slightly chewy and provide structure without becoming harsh. Towards the finish, notes of mocha, dried herbs, and a subtle chocolatey nuance emerge. The finale is refined and expressive, with sufficient tension to keep the wine lively. Summary of professional reviews Antonio Galloni describes the 2025 Château Lilian Ladouys as soft, fruity, and particularly pleasant, with notes of black cherry, plum, leather, and dried herbs. He especially emphasizes the wine's smooth style and immediate accessibility. James Suckling rates the wine 91-92 points and notes the balance between juicy fruit, fresh structure, and slightly firm tannins, with a focused finish and a subtle chocolatey touch