Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Product info about Chateau Lilian Ladouys 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Château Lilian Ladouys 2020 Magnum is a red Bordeaux from Saint-Estèphe, presented in the generous 1.5 litre format. It is the château's grand vin and, for this vintage, is designated Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. In the Drankenshop Broekmans range, this is the kind of bottle that brings together classic Left Bank character with the depth of a notably warm 2020 vintage.

Merlot plays the leading role in the blend, supported by cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and a small proportion of cabernet franc. The estate specifically highlights the importance of the merlot in 2020, while the cabernet sauvignon produced small, concentrated berries. The growing season was warm; according to the château, 2020 was the hottest vintage since 1900, with winter and spring rains building water reserves before a dry, hot summer.

The vineyards of Château Lilian Ladouys are rooted mainly in deep gravel and pebble soils with clay, alongside clay-limestone parcels. That soil structure helped the vines cope with the dry conditions. Grapes were selected in the vineyard and again at the cellar, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts. Around 15 months of barrel ageing, with approximately 40% new oak, contributes structure and supports the cocoa, cedar and spice notes found in the tasting profile.

The estate has been owned by the Lorenzetti family since 2008, and the addition of neighbouring parcels in 2018 brought the vineyard area close to 80 hectares while increasing the share of quality gravel soils. In this magnum, the appeal lies in the combination of a serious Saint-Estèphe, a substantial bottle format and a vintage described in available reviews as having clear ageing potential, with a stated drinking window from 2027 to 2045.

The aromatic profile is led by dark fruit: fresh blackberry, blackcurrant and Burlat cherry, with liquorice and a touch of orange peel adding detail. Cocoa, cedar and spice sit underneath, with some notes also pointing to earthy and graphite-like nuances.

On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, concentrated and built around ripe dark fruit. Lively freshness keeps the wine moving, while the tannins are velvety yet clearly present. The finish carries dark fruit, cocoa, spice and a firm tannic grip.