2023 Prieure Lichine
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Tasting notes
A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 35% new French oak, the 2023 Château Prieure-Lichine is deep ruby-hued and has beautiful aromatics of red and black fruits, leafy herbs, spice, and truffly earth. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a pure, graceful, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I'd happily buy a bottle. It's beautiful today and blossoms with air, yet ideally, give it 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. Drink 2029-2048.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Prieuré-Lichine is seriously impressive. Rich and layered in the glass, the 2023 possesses notable textural richness and elegance. Dark-toned fruit, spice, new leather and licorice flesh out over time. This is an especially rich vintage for Prieuré-Lichine, but it's a style that works so well here. The 2023 impresses with its total sense of balance and harmony.
The 2023 Prieuré-Lichine has impressive intensity on the nose: blackberry, cedar and violet scents, the oak neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, crisp acidity, gentle grip with satisfying length on the finish. A little tight compared to others, so be prepared to wait 3 to 5 years.
The 2023 Château Prieuré-Lichine checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, raised in 35% new oak. Its deeper ruby hue is followed by gorgeous aromatics of cassis and black raspberries as well as classy oak and savory flower-like nuances. With medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and ripe tannins, it's very much in the more mid-weight style of the vintage yet has tons of character, complexity, and length. It's going to need 4-5 years in the cellar, but it’s clearly a terrific effort.
About the producer
After 50 years under the direction of the Lichine family, this leading Margaux estate entered a new chapter in 1999 when négociant Ballande took the reins, continuing the property’s previous upward trajectory.