Saint Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend

Quick double decant. After 15 minutes, it’s already cookin’. Nose shows cassis, clay, a little underbrush, a slight menthol note, a little violet. Lots going on. Rich and a little macho in the mouth, like many ‘18s. There’s a fair whack of soft tannin, but it’s already drinking well. Intense and full. Not elegant, but gives you more than your money’s worth of flavor. Certainly will be better in 5 years or so.

2022 vintage. 52% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. Another great value from this estate owned by the Lorenzetti family.

The vines of Lilian-Ladouys are found a stone's throw from the Graves of Cos d'Estournel and the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Deep Ruby red color, with inky tones, blend of mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, aged in French oak for 15 months, aromas of black and blue fruit, smoky notes and soft spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with toasty oak flavors, full body with fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy menthol mineral character.

Vines of Lilian-Ladouys are found a stone's throw from the Graves of Cos d'Estournel and the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Deep Ruby red color, with inky tones, blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, aged in French oak for 15 months, aromas of black and blue fruit, cedar notes and herb spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with licorice and toasty oak flavors, full body with fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy oak mineral character. Will age over short term.

The vines of Lilian-Ladouys are found a stone's throw from the Graves of Cos d'Estournel and the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Deep Ruby red color, with inky tones, blend of mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, aged in French oak for 15 months, aromas of black and blue fruit, smoky notes and soft spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with toasty oak flavors, full body with fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy menthol mineral character.

The vines of Lilian-Ladouys are found a stone's throw from the Graves of Cos d'Estournel and the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Deep Ruby red color, with inky tones, blend of mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, aged in French oak for 15 months, aromas of black and blue fruit, smoky notes and soft spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with toasty oak flavors, full body with fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy menthol mineral character.

The vines of Lilian-Ladouys are found a stone's throw from the Graves of Cos d'Estournel and the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Deep Ruby red color, with inky tones, blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, aged in French oak for 15 months, aromas of black and blue fruit, smoky notes and soft spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with toasty oak flavors, full body with fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy menthol mineral character.

2021 vintage. This was my favourite at the Boissenot lab primeur tasting (77 wines, but no Crus Classés), and now that it is on the market, it gives you an idea what to expect from a good wine in this difficult vintage. Attractive nose, very fresh, with cassis and flowers. In the mouth it doesn't have the weight of the great vintages, but it is an impeccably balanced, lighter wine, juicy and fresh, with more than decent length. Very modestly priced too, very good value and ready to drink immediately. A blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Abv. 13%.

Drinking beautifully right now. Cedar, a hint of roasted peanuts, cassis, violets. Flavors going from secondary to tertiary, with leathery notes, roasted green herbs, and other savory notes. Tannins are still showing, but given the flavor development I wouldnt wait for them to soften further. Very good value!

Tasted 77 primeur 2021 samples this morning in the laboratory of famous consultant Eric Boissenot and this was my number one.