Château Prieuré-Lichine 2024

Intense color; restrained on the nose, dark berries, smoky notes; rich and opulent on the attack, ripe fruit, silky tannins, well-judged acidity, unfortunately with little aromatic length and a finish somewhat marked by oak.

Clean and clear, with nice purity to the cool and creamy blue fruit, framed by soft spice and floral edges. Touches of cedar, cinnamon and tobacco on the finish with a liquorice saltiness. A little serious right now—with plenty of tannic grip—but well made with clarity and focus. Not a massive amount of drive and it turns a little dry toward the finish, but it definitely doesn’t feel overworked. Just a touch light. Tasted twice.

Flowers, licorice, smoke, black, with red currants, and plums come through in the aromatics. The medium-palate is soft, round, and subtle, with elegant, ripe, black cherries displaying an almost creamy edge to the texture which carries through to the fresh finish. The wine blends 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2028-2042. 92-94 Pts

An airy, refined bouquet with perfectly ripe, fresh fruit. The palate is both intense and balanced, melting and caressing, with a beautiful cashmere-like texture and tangy red-fruit notes.

The nose is elegant, racy, well-crafted, precise, straightforward, aromatic, offering subtle complexity, lovely spices, and aromatic depth. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, Cubeb pepper, and, more delicately, cornflower, joined by touches of lilac, infusion, small wild berries, and a hint of wild strawberry. The palate is mineral, fruity, fresh, with good definition, a certain juiciness, suppleness, and a touch of indulgence. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy/fresh blackberry and raspberry, and, more delicately, cherry, with hints of lilac and cornflower, as well as fine touches of infusion and bergamot. The tannins are precise, clean, and subtly firm. Good length. Lovely freshness. A nicely iodized/saline wine, with a hint of fresh roasting in the background.

Smartly constructed, with a slow unrolling of blackberry fruit, sweet raspberry and strawberry purée, sage and white pepper spice, a touch of leafiness through the mid-palate, yet fragrant and charming. Harvest ran from 26 September to 9 October. 35% new oak. Potential for a higher score with bottle age.

Dark, intense, purplish color. Moderately aromatic nose with ripe fruit, complemented by a lovely touch of oak. Delicate on entry, fragrant on the mid-palate, the wine melts across the palate. It offers a new structure, far more balanced than it sometimes is. Margaux-style finish, aromatic, sapid and with no acidity. Very good. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 13%.