Chateau Prieure-Lichine 2016

The estate began as a Benedictine Monastery. The wine was produced for use by the monks and eventually they began to sell the wine. The estate was confiscated during the French revolution and subsequently sold off in pieces to neighboring estates. In 1951, it was purchased by a group headed by wine writer Alexis Lichine (for $8000 pounds!) and renamed it Chateau Prieure Lichine. Additional vineyards have been purchased over the years bringing the total acreage to 102. Chateau Prieure Lichine is the only Margaux winery to have vineyards in each of the 5 communes of Margaux.

Chateau Prieure Lichine is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. This shows a decrease in Cabernet Sauvignon and an increase in Merlot. The have removed all Cabernet Franc from their vineyards.

[[ SUMMER SHIPPING NOTICE : Shipments including wine items may be delayed during the summer months. We are constantly monitoring the weather to ensure your wines arrive in pristine condition. Please contact us at info@internetwines.com if you would like to know more about this policy. ]]

Wine Spectator: 92
A restrained style, with a beam of cherry, cassis, lilac and sandalwood flavors, revealing a good fleshy feel and solid depth throughout. Light perfume and tobacco hints give the finish some added range. No fireworks here, just balance and focus. Best from 2021 through 2032.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2016 Prieure-Lichine has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a bold, intensely scented nose of warm blackcurrants, black raspberries and mulberries with hints of cedar chest, tobacco, dried herbs and iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate has bags of class with lovely, vibrant black berries flavors and earthy sparks framed by ripe grainy tannins, finishing long and refreshing.

Decanter: 94
Rich and velvety red in colour with deep violet reflections, the brushed velvet appearance carries over to the texture on the palate. A good lineup of fruit flavours are joined by sweet softness through the mid-palate that widens things out rather than dips, and there's a slow build to the finish. Matured in 50% new oak.

Wine Enthusiast: 94
With vineyards in the southern Margaux village of Cantenac, this estate has produced a deliciously juicy wine. The structure follows a straight line between the tannins and the intense fruit and acidity. The wine should age well, ready to drink from 2024.

Vinous: 96
The 2016 Prieur-Lichine is one of the most beautiful and expressive wines of the year. Dark, sensual and inviting, it possesses remarkable depth and textural richness. All the elements are in the right place. Silky tannins, bright red fruit and soaring, lifted aromatics all contribute to the wine's sensual personality. Consulting winemakers Stphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are doing absolutely brilliant work here. The new winery, inaugurated with the 2015 harvest, is giving the team the flexibility to pick and vinify smaller lots, which is one of the reasons quality has improved in recent vintages. The blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.

Vinous: 96

The 2016 Prieur-Lichine is one of the most beautiful and expressive wines of the year. Dark, sensual and inviting, it possesses remarkable depth and textural richness. All the elements are in the right place. Silky tannins, bright red fruit and soaring, lifted aromatics all contribute to the wine's sensual personality. Consulting winemakers Stphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are doing absolutely brilliant work here. The new winery, inaugurated with the 2015 harvest, is giving the team the flexibility to pick and vinify smaller lots, which is one of the reasons quality has improved in recent vintages. The blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.

James Suckling: 93
A very suave, polished Margaux that delivers iodine and dark-stone aromas and a wealth of ripe, plush dark fruit that follows through to the palate in attractive, fleshy and juicy mode. Try from 2022.