There's plenty of pleasure to be found here' ANTONIO GALLONI

There’s plenty of pleasure to be found here says Galloni, and we agree. This is a St Estephe that fits the mould where it’s grown; it’s powerful and rich yet it’s also fresh and alluring. It’s a classy Bordeaux with a high-loading pleasure facto. Even better, it’s $59 each in a 6 pack buy.

Chateau Lilian Ladouys (lad-wees) have prime real estate on the left bank in St Estephe. They’re family-owned and have to be on the radar of every wine critic for best-value Bordeaux. Take a look at all the glowing reviews below. Since the Lorenzetti’s took over in 2008 and their daughter joined in 2018 they’ve rocketed in their eyes of many, and were elevated to Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status in 2020.

St Estephe is hallowed ground. Revered for making wines with the structural capacity to withstand a tornado. Lilian Ladouys walk the line nicely between opulence and elegance. Their soils are gravel dominant a mix of clay limestone and a handful of sandy clay. It’s the gravel that injects incision and a tannic backbone. Depth and intensity come from the old vines which average 50 years. It’s clear Lilian Ladouys are over-achievers.

As a vintage 2018 is less tannic and the acidity is so you don’t need to age them for too long, or as Lisa Perroti Brown summarises, ‘Rich, already flamboyant fruit and beautifully plush tannins with seamless acidity mean many of the successful wines will be approachable relatively early.’ With 6 years of age it’s still incredibly fresh yet the tannins have moved into a velvety zone and roll fluidly across the palate.

This is sharply priced, $59 each in a 6 pack (or $57 in a dozen buy). The quality to value ratio here is off the charts.

Cheers

Gabrielle Poy