Prieuré Lichine 2018

This is a very fresh and bright red with lots of blue fruit and linear and fine tannins that have drive down the center palate. 65 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 30 per cent merlot and 5 per cent petit verdot.

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. Drink: 2022 - 2036

Prieuré Lichine has done a great job of capturing the rich concentration in the cassis and blackberry fruits that are easily found in 2018, wrapped up perfectly in juicy, vibrant strands of acidity and tannin. There's no question that this is an intense wine, and although the alcohol is not especially high it has a generous texture. Spice notes lend a sense of uplift to balance out the exuberance of the palate. I expect this will close down for a good few years before coming into its own.

Prieuré Lichine operate a gravity-fed winery for gentle handling of the fruit. 2018 saw a yield of 35hl/ha. Aged in 45% new oak.

Drinking Window 2027 - 2042

Deep purple colour. The nose here is toasty and creamy in cassis fruit, with hints of dried violets and savoury cedar. The palate is succulent and ripe, with dark chocolate and creamy black cherries. Peppery violets and clove come through but are subtle and integrated, as are the supple tannins. The finish is long, fine and lifted.

The 2018 Château Prieuré-Lichine is an attractive, elegant Margaux offering classic, pretty red and black fruits, cedary spice, and dried flowers aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and again, with an incredible floral character, it has a supple, rounded texture that’s going to allow it to drink nicely in its youth, yet it should also evolve for 15+ years or more. I suspect this will surpass the ’14, ’15, and ’16.