Confidences de Prieure-Lichine 2018

Pretty, with gently mulled plum and blackberry fruit infused with dark tea, lilac and alder hints. A subtle sanguine thread runs through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2024. 10,000 cases made.

Darkly spiced fruit on the attack, appealing spice box, liquorice and cigar, along with brambled fruits. The finish is a little abrupt as the tannins bite in.

Aromas of plum, pomegranate, rose-hip, graphite and vanilla. It’s medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Layered and elegant. Second wine of Prieure-Lichine. Try from 2024.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, light ochre brightening on the rim. Somewhat restrained nose with delicate herbal plum and fig, a hint of dried quince and delicate dark nougat. Juicy palate, attractive fruit sweetness, integrated, ripe tannins and chocolaty on the finish. Taut and still somewhat restrained, but has good ageing potential.

Dark ruby red colour. Elegant nose with fine oak, butterscotch, sweet red berries, plum and tobacco. Supple and rounded palate with good volume, digest fruit notes. Rounded and long finish.

This is gourmet and round, with softened tannins at four years old, and it can easily be started to be drunk. Not showing huge concentration, instead leaning towards smoked caramel notes and slightly elevated alcohol that plumps out the fruit. Silky texture, enjoyable, with appellation signature. 39 hl/ha yield. No new oak. Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant.