2020, Château Prieuré Lichine, MARGAUX

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot.

The 2020 Prieuré-Lichine is elegant and nuanced, just as it was en primeur. Even so, I had hoped to see another step forward in this vintage, and it's just not there. For example, the aromatics aren't quite as focused as they could be. Prieuré-Lichine is still a very good wine, but it is not all it could be. 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2022).

The 2020 Prieuré-Lichine was picked at 32hl/ha and matured in 40% new oak. It has quite an intense nose of black plum, blueberry and violet scents, though missing some terroir expression and mineralité. It’s high-toned at the moment, but it needs more bass notes. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Very fresh, with fine salinity on the finish. It actually meliorates as it goes on, leaving you wanting more. This has very good potential. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous (2021). 

Medium to deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2020 Prieure-Lichine offers up notes of fresh redcurrants, blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries and dried Provence herbs, plus wafts of tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of pure black and red fruit flavours, framed by grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift. 91-93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (2021). 

Plenty of juicy dripping autumnal fruit, cassis and blueberry with a crack of black pepper and a good lick of saline freshness on the finish that makes you want to take another sip. One of the clear successes, intense and concentrated with balanced tannins and acidity, if some bitter almond overtones. A yield of 32hl/ha. 40% new oak. Harvested right through to October 1st.Tasted twice. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (2021). 

Supple and generous, grippy tannins, a slate saltiness, fine but present and mouth-coating. Feels a little constricted with its youthful, spicy edging, a touch tight and unyielding. There is a juiciness and underlying acidity, and the fruit is minty, liquorice-tinged, ripe and chewy; this is mostly brawn right now with a muscular power directed quite narrowly. There’s confidence and style though, so give it a few years. 93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2023). 

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2040