Confidences de Prieure-Lichine 2021

The elegance and fruity expression of a Second Wine from the Margaux appellation

The estate

Classified as a 4th Grand Cru Classé in 1855, Château Prieuré-Lichine produces great Margaux wines expressing the full typicity of this superb appellation located on the left bank of the Bordeaux region.

Château du Prieuré de Cantenac became Château Prieuré-Lichine following its acquisition 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 outstanding terroirs of the Margaux appellation.

The vineyard of Château Prieuré-Lichine spans 77.5 hectares. Composed of Garonne gravel, this terroir typical of the appellation captures the sun’s warmth during the day and releases it at night, ensuring optimal ripeness of the grapes.

The vineyard

30 hectares are dedicated to the production of Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine, the Second Wine of this benchmark among Margaux wines. With vines averaging 20 years of age, planted on gravelly-sandy soils, and following the advice of renowned consulting oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2020 is crafted from a selection of young vines, with the same precision and care as the estate’s Grand Vin.

The vintage

While 2020 was marked by summer drought, 2021 began with a mild, wet winter. The mild conditions at the end of March favored an early and rapid budbreak followed by swift vegetative growth. The frost episodes recorded between April 6 and 8 had little impact on the terroir dedicated to the Grand Vin. The mild, humid conditions of May and June were followed by a temperate summer punctuated by rain in mid-September, allowing for further ripening ahead of the harvest, which took place from September 27 to October 13.

Winemaking and aging

To preserve the integrity of the fruit, the grapes are brought to the winery in small crates and sorted manually on a vibrating table, followed by optical sorting. The transfer to the vat is done by gravity, without crushing. Maceration lasts 28 to 30 days. The wines are aged 40% in once-used barrels and 60% in twice-used barrels.

Blend

Merlot (80%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (20%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine 2021

Tasting notes

Beautifully balanced, this wine reveals a silky texture, fine tannins, and a lovely fruity structure as the tasting unfolds.