2018 Château Prieuré-Lichine

Description

95   Roger Voss for Wine Enthusiast
“This wine shows the generous richness of the vintage while restraining it with fine tannins and pure black-currant acidity. The structure and fruits promise long-term aging. Drink this wine from 2027.” (3/2021)

94   Decanter
“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” (4/2019) Jane Anson

94   James Suckling
“Blackberry with white-pepper and some tile undertones on the nose. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins yet so beautifully polished and composed. Lingering finish. This needs time to soften and come together. Best after 2024.” (3/2021)

94   Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2018 Prieuré-Lichine is a gorgeous, elegant wine. Strong Cabernet aromatics give the 2018 striking savory notes to play off the natural radiance of the year. Plush and sensual, with no hard edges and terrific balance, the 2018 hits all the right notes. Dried herbs, rose petal, cedar, tobacco and mint linger on the finely cut, persistent finish. This is an especially understated wine for the year.” (3/2021)

93   Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2018 Château Prieure-Lichine is terrific and certainly a step up over past vintages. Pure black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and cedarwood notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, elegant and nicely focused on the palate, with a solid sense of freshness and purity. With moderate tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length, it’s a beautiful wine. It already offers pleasure with a decant yet should hit prime time in 4-5 years and keep for 15-20 years. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, brought up in 45% new French oak.” (3/2021)