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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
“The 2019 hits all the right notes… Class, polish and sensuality make Prieure-Lichine absolutely irresistible.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Described as “the single most under the radar wine in Margaux” by Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, the 95 pt. 2019 Chateau Prieure-Lichine is a Left Bank showstopper from an outstanding vintage, offering fragrant, captivating aromas and fresh, juicy fruit elegantly balanced by tantalizing minerality and an uplifted, long-lived finish, declared an “impressive showing” by the Wine Advocate’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown and now at an equally impressive price.
Located in Cantenac in Margaux, the regal Chateau Prieure-Lichine estate was established by Benedictine monks in the 15th century, undergoing a gradual decline through private ownership after the French Revolution until it was eventually purchased in 1951 by the pioneering “Pope of Wine” Alexis Lichine who revitalized the rundown estate, adding new vineyard plots, modernizing the cellars and renovating the Chateau – and also making it the first Bordeaux estate along with his other property, Chateau Margaux, to welcome visitors, a scorned practice at the time but now almost universally adopted. Now under the ownership of the Ballande Group, Prieure-Lichine’s vineyards span 85 hectares throughout the Margaux appellation on a diverse range of terroirs divided into over 125 unique parcels, the only Margaux estate with vineyards located in all 5 communes, with sustainably farmed vines averaging 30 years of age planted on gravelly hillsides that range from 15 to 20 meters. Employing rigorous selection under the direction of famed enologist Stephane Derenoncourt, the powerfully styled 2019 Prieure-Lichine is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Merlot and a little Petit Verdot, fermented in large concrete tanks and then aged for 16 months in 40% new French oak before bottling, yielding ripe fruit with flinty muscular tannins in “a complex, nuanced Margaux” according to critic Jeb Dunnuck promising years of longevity ahead.
Described as an “excellent Prieure” by Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the powerfully polished 95 pt. Chateau Prieure-Lichine boasts Margaux’s signature elegance and refinement with robust structure to age for over a decade from a vintage of “harmony, balance and freshness” according to James Suckling, a fantastic value for Bordeaux fans and anyone looking to enjoy premium Left Bank Bordeaux at an unbeatable price. |
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The 2019 Prieuré-Lichine is impeccable. Creamy, layered and resonant in the glass, the 2019 hits all the right notes. Sweet red cherry/plum, lavender, rose petal, spice, mint and blood orange all build effortlessly. Over the last handful of years Prieuré-Lichine has been the single most under the radar wine in Margaux. The 2019 is another fine edition. Class, polish and sensuality make Prieuré-Lichine absolutely irresistible.
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)
Wonderful aromas of dried orange, blackcurrant and crushed stone follow through to a full body with beautifully polished tannins that are composed and fine. Lots of subtle and complex character on the finish. Extremely well done here. Drink after 2025.
95 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)
The 2019 Prieuré-Lichine is supple and generous, bursting with aromas of blackberries, currants, licorice, spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's round and enveloping, with ripe acids and a rich, seamless profile. This is showing well out of the gates. This heavily morcellated estate (amounting to some 125 different parcels) is clearly benefitting from a more rigorous selection and better attention to detail regarding harvest dates.
93 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Prieure-Lichine features lifted kirsch, boysenberries, and black cherries with hints of cassis, roses, sassafras, and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy fruit and firm grainy tannins, delivering soft acidity and a spicy finish.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (May 2022)