2016 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Margaux
2016 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Margaux
Blend: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Enthusiast (94/100)
With vineyards in the southern Margaux village of Cantenac, this estate has produced a deliciously juicy wine. The structure follows a straight line between the tannins and the intense fruit and acidity. The wine should age well, ready to drink from 2024.
Decanter (94/100)
Rich and velvety red in colour with deep violet reflections, the brushed velvet appearance carries over to the texture on the palate. A good lineup of fruit flavours are joined by sweet softness through the mid-palate that widens things out rather than dips, and there’s a slow build to the finish. Matured in 50% new oak. 2016 yielded 43hl/ha.
Chateau Prieure-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 Prieure-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.