Appellations

Prieure Lichine 2017

Margaux, Fourth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Prieuré-Lichine is another in a series of utterly gorgeous wines that have emerged from this château in recent years. The construction of a new cellar a few years ago seems to have made a huge difference in the precision of the wine. Soft, supple and gracious, with gentle contours and silky tannins, the 2017 is pure class. Succulent red berry, plum, rose petal and mint infuse this gracious Margaux. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of a desire to gradually build the wine on a core of Cabernet rather than a response solely to the conditions of the year. Stéphane Derenoncourt and his team continue to do a brilliant work at Prieuré-Lichine. Tasted two times.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Prieuré-Lichine has a light, slightly earthy bouquet that is endowed with less fruit than some of its peers. There is just a touch of greenness here, though not to a degree that bothers me. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, a crisp line of acidity and a pretty, quite harmonious finish. It actually finishes with more panache than I expected though it does require more length.

Score: 88 - 90 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2035 Date: 01 May 2018

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Prieure-Lichine is scented of crushed blackberries, black cherries and roses with touches of cloves, cinnamon and dusty earth. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of flesh, textured by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long. (88-90+)

Score: 88 - 90 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

Mid crimson. Sweet, punchy black fruit with a hint of oak char but the effect is more savoury than sweet. Moreish, juicy and fresh. Finely structured, moderate length, all in balance, the finish dry but not drying.

Score: 16 - 17 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2022-2030 Date: 25 April 2018

The 2017 Château Prieuré-Lichine is a firm, borderline charmless effort that has mid-weight aromas and flavors, good concentration, and little in the way of baby fat. It might flesh out over its élevage, but then again it might not.

Score: 85 - 88 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

This is really fresh and layered with currant, berry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied, integrated and polished. Beautiful. Very focused. More cabernet in the blend than normal. Possibly at the same level as 2016.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Bright and fresh, with a mix of raspberry, pomegranate and plum notes guided by light floral and spice notes. Shows a brambly edge on the finish. On the lighter side but offers good energy.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

This is the definition of a wine to buy in an off-vintage. It has the signature of the last few years, but in an early-drinking package. It's a little oaky and smoky for sure, but handles it well and delivers punch and personality without overstating the case. Ripe damson fruits help to deliver impact, even if the fruit is generally a touch below the exuberance of the last two years. Planted in the vineyard to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.

Score: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2038 Date: 01 April 2018