Château Lilian Ladouys 2021

The 2021 Lilian Ladouys was picked from 28 September to 8 October and matured in 30% new oak. It has the smallest proportion of Merlot for several years. It has a generous bouquet with blue fruit and violet complementing the red fruit, just a touch of pencil lead in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, good backbone here, though quite strict and just needs a little more amplitude on the dark chocolate-tinged finish. Drink over the next 15-20 years. Drinking Window: 2025-2040. Score – 89-91. (Neal Martin, vinous.com)