The estate
An iconic property of the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux, Château Prieuré-Lichine bears witness to a prestigious heritage.
The vineyard
With its 77.5 hectares of vines, Château Prieuré-Lichine is at the head of a vineyard with an extraordinary terroir and produces fine Margaux wines. Planted on Garonne gravel typical to the Margaux appellation, the vines, aged by 30 years on average, benefit from an exceptional terroir.
The vintage
After a cold and dry winter, the crop cycle began rapidly and regularly in March. The frosty spell on 27 April affected a third of the Château Prieuré-Lichine vineyard. 40% to 100% of the potential harvest was destroyed. The sunshine and milder conditions in early May encouraged rapid vine development. Flowering took place in good conditions, with an excellent state of health. Heavy rainfall at the end of June guaranteed sufficient water reserves. Despite these difficult conditions, the exceptional Margaux terroir produced high-quality, aromatic grapes, with silky tannins.
Winemaking and ageing
Harvests in crates. Vibrating sorting table. Manual and optical sorting. No crushing. Ageing is carried out in barrels, of which 50% are new barrels and 50% are barrels of one previous wine.
Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (63%),
Merlot (32%),
Petit Verdot (5%).
The tasting
The 2017 Château Prieuré-Lichine seduces with its fineness and its sophistication as well as its aromatic palette, combined with a greatly delicate tannic structure.
Medium to deep garnet-purple color, the 2017 Prieure-Lichine is composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. It rocks up with expressive blackcurrant cordial, stewed plums and boysenberries scents plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of chewy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing on a stewed tea note.