Chateau Lilian Ladouys, 'La Devise de Lilian,' Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux, France, 2018

Overview of the Wine
On 24th September 2008, Jacky and Françoise Lorenzetti fell under the spell of Château Lilian Ladouys; their daughter Manon joined them there in 2018.

The family are very proud of the path they have followed. In 2020, after the Lorenzettis had restructured their premium Saint-Estèphe vineyards and chosen to tailor their viticultural practice to respect the environment, Château Lilian Ladouys was anointed a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.

In 2020, Château Lilian Ladouys has committed to converting the entirety of their vineyards to organic agriculture.

This year, the family has rubber-stamped this commitment: from 2020 onwards, they are officially in conversion to full organic practice.

Our vines are planted on over 80 hectares of the Cos plateau, along the axis that links Calon Ségur to Lilian Ladouys. They flourish on these soils – gravel topsoil overlaying clay and limestone – that are the appellation’s true geological treasure.

Since the Lorenzetti family bought the property, we have engaged in a massive programme of land consolidation. This has enabled us to create coherent clusters of plots, planted with carefully chosen grape varieties, in the manner of the 19th-century vineyards, and so to recreate the ideal conditions for these vineyards to achieve their full potential.

Winemaker
Frédéric Godart

Grape / Blend
60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
La Devise de Lilian has become a benchmark among second wines. Its flavourful style and its well-integrated tannins have won the hearts of those who love softness and richness. La Devise does not use strict plot definition, but is instead a true second wine, a genuine signature blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at the forefront.

La Devise is matured for an average of 12 months and is accessible in its youthful prime. Fruity with a velvety structure, it pairs wonderfully with fresh cuisine such as white meat or fruity desserts. It's approachable, earthy, and fresh, but also noticeably powerful and well-structured

92 Points - Ian Blackburn
Now with 7 years of age (rating in 2025) - this wine has really melted together nicely.  The rugged Saint-Estephe muscles and cabernet accents - while significant - are really in a nice place with the very nice 2018 vintage. The nose has that a signature Saint-Estephe charm - similar to what you will find from its neighbors Calon-Segur and Montrose (but in a $20 version);  this drinks well above its cost.  The wines balance and lenght are key to its success with cassis, dry herbs and minerals and a refined and extended finish.  The significant tannins are integrated yet present and this will continue to improve for 5-10 more years.  e Fun to drink right now.  C 13.5 A. 23 B. 23 Overall 32.5 = 92

91 Points - James Suckling
Black-fruit, graphite, tar and tobacco aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Nicely austere and fresh finish. Second wine. Better from 2024. 

Product size: 750ml