Prieuré Lichine 2018

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. 2023 - 2035

This is a very fresh and bright red with lots of blue fruit and linear and fine tannins that have drive down the center palate. 65 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 30 per cent merlot and 5 per cent petit verdot.

The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine sings of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh red and black currants, followed by hints of powdered cinnamon, lilacs and bouquet garni. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with bags of freshness and a soft texture framing the red berry and spicy layers, finishing with an herbal lift. Drink: 2022 - 2036

Prieuré Lichine has done a great job of capturing the rich concentration in the cassis and blackberry fruits that are easily found in 2018, wrapped up perfectly in juicy, vibrant strands of acidity and tannin. There's no question that this is an intense wine, and although the alcohol is not especially high it has a generous texture. Spice notes lend a sense of uplift to balance out the exuberance of the palate. I expect this will close down for a good few years before coming into its own. Prieuré Lichine operate a gravity-fed winery for gentle handling of the fruit. 2018 saw a yield of 35hl/ha. Aged in 45% new oak.Drinking Window 2027 - 2042