CHATEAU PRIEURE LICHINE 2010 - Margaux Grand Cru Classe - France - Red Wine

Country : France

Region : Margaux
Type : Red
Year : 2010
Volume : 75 cl


WINE CRITICS  95 points Decanter
Outer quote mark Beautifully expressed, fragrant Cabernet fruit. Such purity, depth and elegance on the nose that the palate can only follow, and yet there is a charmingly lifted crunchy fruit as well, and then of course the finely grained tannins. A very great wine. (Panel Tasting) Inner quote mark (1/2014)

94 points James Suckling
Outer quote mark Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of sliced mushroom. Full and round with chewy tannins. Give this four or five years to soften. Tight and structured. Inner quote mark (2/2013)

93 points Wine Enthusiast
Outer quote mark The former home of Alexis Lichine is now owned by a Pacific-based French mining company. The low yields of the 2010 (the vineyard was hit by hail) have produced a smooth and rich style of wine, which is weighty while also showing fine acidity on the finish. This has definite aging potential. (RV) Inner quote mark (2/2013)

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Outer quote mark Dense purple, with loads of blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as hints of smoke and subtle charred wood, this wine is expansive, round, generous, lush and multi-dimensional. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. A beautiful example of wine from this estate, which is using well-known consultant Stephane Derenoncourt, finished 2010 at 14.5% natural alcohol, and seems to be one of the sexier, more developed and evolved styles of the vintage. (RP) Inner quote mark (2/2013)

91 points Wine Spectator
Outer quote mark Takes a dense, slightly chunky approach, with bittersweet cocoa and espresso up front followed by a core of dark currant, plum sauce and anise. Features charcoal-laden grip on the finish, showing ample stuffing and polished fruit. Should settle in once the modern toast treatment gets soaked up. (JM) Inner quote mark (3/2013)

ABOUT THE WINERY : Chateau Prieuré-Lichine's vast vineyard holdings (70 hectares) are located on some of the best gravelly outcrops in all five communes of the Margaux appellation. Owned by the Ballande group since June 1999, this estate is currently undergoing a major transformation in order to enhance the reputation of its superb terroir even further. The vine density at Prieuré-Lichine is quite high, and the vineyard is carefully managed plot by plot. The grapes are completely picked by hand into small crates and carefully gone over on a sorting table prior to crushing. Only the ripest, healthiest grapes are used. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel. The entire winemaking process is devoted to bringing out the charm, elegance and finesse characteristic of the finest wines in the Margaux appellation.

ABOUT MARGAUX APPELATION : Silky, seductive and polished are the words that characterize the best wines from Margaux, the most inland appellation of the Médoc on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Margaux’s gravel soils are the thinnest of the Médoc, making them most penetrable by vine roots—some reaching down over 23 feet for water. The best sites are said to be on gentle outcrops, or croupes, where more gravel facilitates good drainage. The Left Bank of Bordeaux subscribes to an arguably outdated method of classification but it is nonetheless important in regards to history of the area. In 1855 the finest chateaux were deemed on the basis of reputation and trading price—at that time. In 1855, Chateau Margaux achieved first growth status, yet it has been Chateau Palmer (officially third growth from the 1855 classification) that has consistently outperformed others throughout the 20th century. Chateau Margaux in top vintages is capable of producing red Cabernet Sauvignon based wines described as pure, intense, spell-binding, refined and profound with flavors and aromas of black currant, violets, roses, orange peel, black tea and incense. Other top producers worthy of noting include Chateau Rauzan-Ségla, Lascombes, Brane-Cantenac, and d’Issan, among others. The best wines of Margaux combine a deep ruby color with a polished structure, concentration and an unrivaled elegance.

ABOUT CHATEAU PRIEURE LICHINE