Confidences de Prieure-Lichine 2019

The structure and aromatic finesse of a Second Wine from the Margaux appellation

The estate

4th Grand Cru Classé in 1855, Château Prieuré-Lichine showcases all the typicity of the superb Margaux appellation, located on the left bank of the Bordeaux region.
Château du Prieuré de Cantenac became Château Prieuré-Lichine after being acquired by the charismatic Alexis Lichine, the "Pope of Wine," in 1951. Upon his death in 1989, his son Sacha took over the estate until 1999, when the property joined the Ballande group.
The philosophy of Château Prieuré-Lichine is centered on excellence in crafting great wines that reveal the full expression and diversity of the Margaux appellation's outstanding terroirs.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Château Prieuré-Lichine spans 85 hectares. Composed of Garonne gravel, this terroir, typical of the Margaux appellation, captures the sun's warmth during the day to better reflect it at night, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes.

The wine

30 hectares are dedicated to the estate's Second Wine, Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine. Averaging 20 years of age, the vines are planted on gravelly-sandy soils. Following the guidance of renowned consulting oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2019 is crafted from a selection of young vines, with the same precision and care as the estate's Grand Vin.

The vintage

The dry climate and mild preceding winter led to an even budbreak at the end of March. The frost episodes that affected the Médoc did not impact the estate's vineyard. The particularly wet spring ensured sufficient water reserves. Conditions were favorable for a perfect flowering. A heatwave peak at the end of June was followed by a second period of intense heat in late July. The low rainfall towards the end of the growing cycle was offset by a timely storm on September 22. The harvested berries, in a very satisfactory sanitary condition, were balanced and of consistent quality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes, brought to the winery in small crates to preserve the fruit's integrity, are sorted by hand on a vibrating table and then by optical sorting. Transfer to the vats is done by gravity, without crushing. The wines are aged for 12 months, 40% in once-used barrels and 60% in twice-used barrels.

Blend

Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2019 is the result of a blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2019

Tasting

Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2019 perfectly captures the complexity and aromatic finesse of Margaux appellation wines. Through its blend of ripe, round Merlot and refined Cabernet with a dense, silky texture, this Second Wine charms with its lushness and seamless structure.