Firm and silky with a lovely depth of fruit and polished tannins. Some cedar and berry. Full and dense. Excellent length. Energetic acidity at end. Yes. Better than the super 2014. Best ever. - March 2017

The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is a blend of 62% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot aged in 30% new French oak for 15 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of baked plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake with bay leaves, pencil lead and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and packed with vibrant flavor layers, it finishes long.

Juicy, with a lively streak of anise running through the middle of the plum and bitter cherry core. The finish has solid, fresh grip. - James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, April 2017)

The 2016 Lilian Ladouys is wonderfully expressive in this vintage. Lifted, savory aromatics and pliant fruit are some of the signatures, but it is the wine's sublime balance and sense of proportion that stand out most. Silky tannins add to the midweight, gracious feel. This is a strong showing. Lilian Ladouys is a rare Saint-Estèphe where Merlot takes precedence over Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted two times. - vinous.com, April 2017

A bit of oak is evident on the nose and there's something pretty stodgy about this – a terroir thing? Definitely earthbound. Grainy tannins dominate. Drink 2024-2034. - jancisrobinson.com, April 2017

62% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Dark cherries, mint and cassis, a touch of tobacco and cedar. Friable tannins, fresh acidity, medium body. QGV for this classic style. (RH)