Château Lilian Ladouys 2012 – Saint-Estèphe – Cru Bourgeois

The nose is aromatic. The wine needs to be decanted (carafe). It reveals notes of undergrowth, blackberry and slight notes of cassis, truffle associated to hints of toasted oak, spices, a hint of Sichuan pepper as well as a very discreet hint of flowers, zan and clove. The palate is fruity, fine, sleek, slightly powerful, elegant, straight and offers fat, suavity, tension, minerality as well as a nice definition. In the mouth it expresses notes of juicy blackberry, cherry, slight notes of crunchy strawberry associated with hints of plum, a slight touch of toasted oak, roasting as well as hints of clove and cardamom. Tannins are fine and (very) slightly firm. The finish is relatively suave. There is a very slight hint of caramelized oak on the aftertaste/persistence.