1989 Lilian Ladouys, St-Estèphe (1.5L)

A Cru Bourgeois property that excels for its classification, Lilian Ladouys is annually one of the steals of any given vintage, and cellared bottlings can be a prime opportunity to experience the sublime grace of aged Bordeaux without breaking the bank. 1989 was the first vintage under the ownership of Christian Thiéblot, a move that noted French wine authority Clive Coates marks as a turning point for the château, setting a standard which continues today: "From the very first vintage under the Thiéblot regime, it established itself in the top rank of Saint-Estephe and this quality has been continued under the new owners since 1996."