2018 Prieure Lichine

Tasted blind. Intense, savoury nose. Composed and mouth-filling with a dry end but lots of purple fruit (elderberry?) on the way there. Clean and cool. (JR)

The 2018 Prieuré-Lichine has kept its understated and elegant bouquet, presenting those 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.

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.