Château Prieuré-Lichine 2018

The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine sings of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh red and black currants, followed by hints of powdered cinnamon, lilacs and bouquet garni. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with bags of freshness and a soft texture framing the red berry and spicy layers, finishing with an herbal lift.

Very bright up front, with lots of floral lift leading the way while the core of warmed cassis and steeped plum tags along behind. Smoldering feel on the finish, with dark tea and sandalwood accents filling in. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2032. 13,000 cases made.

Power, character and succulence abound with well-handled cassis and damson fruits. This is good-quality with chocolate shavings, silky tannins and a heavily spiced finish. A yield of 35 hl/ha. 45% new oak.

Blackberry with white pepper and some tile undertones on the nose. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins, yet beautifully polished and composed. Lingering finish. This needs time to soften and come together. Best after 2024.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot; 45% new oak. Barrel sample. Black core with barely a purple rim. Very dark but lively fruit and an attractive crushed-stones overlay. Juicy and lifted on the palate, finely textured and already harmonious. The tannins are nicely layered and compact but overall a welcome lightness of touch that should result in greater elegance in bottle. (JH)

The 2018 Prieuré-Lichine has kept its understated and elegant bouquet, presenting the same blackberry and cedar notes, perhaps with more red fruit emerging with aeration (cranberry and raspberry preserve). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins (finer than I noticed out of barrel) and plenty of freshness on the finish. This has indeed tempered its excesses and should evolve into a fine Margaux.

Black, red and blue fruit, smoke, espresso and herbs connect in the nose. The wine is rich, concentrated, lush, round and polished. The fruit is ripe, dark and expressive, accompanied by coffee bean, licorice and dark cocoa nuances on the mid-palate and through the finish.

Dark ruby garnet with purple reflections and a subtle rim. Delicate floral nuances on the nose with Parma Violets, fresh cassis, forest berries and classy oak notes in the background. Complex and textured with blackberry jam, a whisper of figs, integrated tannins and a fresh and mineral character with subtle nougat on the finish – a wine for long ageing (2020-2045).

Deep dark purple colour. Layered nose with floral hints of violet, ripe dark berries, cassis, cocoa, fine oak, toast and a mild spiciness. Very good grip on the palate, ripe and unctuous fruit with grainy tannin, flavour intense with fine volume, good oak integration, very fine length and a supple finish.

The 2018 Château Prieure-Lichine is terrific and certainly a step up over past vintages. Pure black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and cedarwood notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, elegant and nicely focused on the palate, with a solid sense of freshness and purity. With moderate tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length, it's a beautiful wine. It already offers pleasure with a decant yet should hit prime time in 4-5 years and keep for 15-20 years. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, brought up in 45% new French oak.

Powerful tannins; this is young, with depth and clear ripeness to the tannins, touches of chocolate, brioche, creamy smoked toffee and cocoa. A burst of heat throws things off on the finish, saved by a eucalyptus edge that brings freshness and grip. 45% new oak, Stephane Dernenoncourt consultant, 39hl/ha yield, harvest from September 24 to October 10.

The 2018 Prieure-Lichine has a deep garnet-purple color. It opens with notes of stewed plums and crème de cassis, laced with cedar and Indian spices, leading to hints of sassafras and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is rich and jam-packed with velvety tannins and soft acidity, finishing just a tad warm.

Powerful, with a touch of austerity, sincere and complex. It will certainly refine over time.

Here is a Margaux of great finesse, with a lithe character and a palate full of delicacy. Finely extracted, it delivers a very pleasant silky feel.

The truly original nose, beautifully scented with ripe strawberry, blueberry, and violet, brings complexity to the wine, which unfolds with a well-defined juiciness and flawless sweetness.

The nose is elegant, delicate, fruity, with lovely grain finesse and complexity. It reveals notes of pulpy blackberry, fleshy small black fruits and, more lightly, fleshy cherry, combined with touches of crushed redcurrant and violet, as well as fine hints of blue fruits, liquorice pastille, fresh tobacco, a very discreet hint of tonka bean and an imperceptible touch of bergamot. The palate is fruity, elegant, delicate, finely crafted and offers tension with finesse and delicacy, an airy feel, a fine creaminess, a beautiful balance, a fine acidic backbone and precisely controlled richness. On the palate, the wine shows notes of creamy blackcurrant, pulpy blackberry and, more lightly, pulpy redcurrant, combined with touches of violet and lilac, as well as hints of creamy blue plum, with notes of chocolate, caramelization, a subtle toasted touch, nutmeg, a hint of green cardamom and a very discreet hint of coffee. Good length. The tannins are elegant and finely plush. A touch of suppleness and a delicate sapid note on the finish.

Logo on the cork: A in a circle (Amorim)

94–96. Barrel Sample. After considerable investment, this property is showing its true potential. This wine is full of a great black fruit flavor, with generous acidity and a ripe structure. Its black currant flavor is already showing a delicious side, making it a wine to enjoy in the near term.