Chateau Prieure-Lichine 2014

Seductively fruity in style, superb structure, first-class tannins, great length.

The 2014 Prieure-Lichine has a reserved, slightly tertiary/gravel-tinged bouquet that takes time to develop the fruit behind it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a gentle grip in the mouth, but attenuating slightly towards the finish that just needs to develop a little more frisson. Probably best suited for short-term drinking rather than long-term, but you never know.

On the herbal side, with distinct bay and savory notes leading the way, followed by lightly steeped red currant and damson plum notes. Shows a good streak of black tea through the finish, where a cedar thread appears. Best from 2018 through 2024. 15,000 cases made.

93–95. Barrel Sample. Powerful tannins and ripe fruit notes set this wine up for a rich future. It has a dark, brooding quality, with smooth wood flavors and a creamy black-cherry aftertaste.

Very good black-fruit nose and a fine, supple palate with natural concentration, finesse and fragrance. A charming wine with enough depth for the future.

The 2014 Prieuré-Lichine is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Silky, perfumed and gracious on the palate, the wine exudes class. Sweet floral and spice notes meld into a core of red stone fruit, and silky tannins and vivid flavors lead into a creamy and inviting finish. I would prefer to cellar the 2014 for at least a few years, but it is quite beautiful and polished even at this early stage. The blend is 65 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot and 5 % Petit Verdot. This is a very strong showing from Prieuré-Lichine and consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu. Tasted two times.

Boysenberry, espresso, black cherry and licorice scents kick off the nose. Medium bodied, with a touch of too much oak at the moment, this needs time to develop, and integrate. While this is already better in bottle than barrel, in time, this should be an even better wine, as it continues to come together.

From the southern part of Margaux, the 2014 Château Prieure Lichine is little gem well worth seeking out. Offering lots of classic black cherry fruit, tobacco, herbs, and damp earth, it’s medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced, and has moderate, chalky tannins on the finish. Like most 2014s, it’s already drinking nicely, yet is going to keep for 15 years or so. Tasted twice.

Rich purple-garnet color, dense at the core, with a violet rim. Sweet and creamy on the nose, with plenty of vanillin layered over red-berry fruit. While quite a few Margaux can feel a bit dry through the mid-palate, this wine shows wonderful charm and body.

Rich purple-garnet, dense at the core with a violet sheen at the rim. Sweet and creamy on the nose, with a generous vanilla note layered over red-berry fruit. While quite a few Margaux can feel slightly dry through the mid-palate, this wine shows wonderful charm and a beautifully rounded body.

Reserved, austere bouquet, red berries, chalk. Medium-bodied, rustic palate with light fruit, mealy tannins, an astringent aromatic profile and a dry finish. 16/20 2021 - 2032

This is rich and still young on the nose, with density through the mid palate and a silky texture to the tannins, capturing the gourmet but finely balanced elegance that is so sought after in the Margaux appellation. Cocoa bean, black cherry, crushed mint on the finish giving a cooling blast. Great balance, a wine to look out for that I remember loving En Primeur and is delivering today. 50% new oak. They were working with a new cellar from this vintage, with an increase in small sized vats allowing better plot reactivity. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant.

The 2014 Prieure-Lichine is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. Classic scents of plum preserves, cassis, and cedar lead to touches of truffle and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a rugged finish. Tasted blind with the Southwold Group in London in February 2024.

A wine with a soft, supple profile, showing lovely fluidity on the palate and a gentle finish.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Lovely, complex nose. The wine is supple and charming, incredibly Margaux-like, with finely integrated oak, light tannins, and a seductive, even showy finish. A superb, very ripe, knockout Merlot. A great Prieuré.

Garnet-red with dark highlights. An intense, elegant bouquet, clearly marked by the grape variety, with notes of blackcurrant and prunes. The attack is smooth, elegant and compact, projecting a seductive impression. The freshness of the Cabernet comes through beautifully on the palate, with a fine balance between freshness and tannic structure. A delicious wine that deserves a little more time to fully open up. Excellent ageing potential.

Deep color with good intensity. Fruity nose. The palate is fruity and supple, with floral notes, but a little discreet on the mid-palate. The finish is of average length and well-rounded.