Chateau Prieure-Lichine 4eme Cru Classe, Margaux 2016

This beautiful Margaux might not exceed the 2015 but it is undeniably doing a good job of keeping up. It combines elegance and richness, with extremely well extracted deep fruits and plenty of layers of finesse in the form of charcoal, slate, grilled almonds and cloves. An excellent Prieuré with good ageing potential.

The 2016 Prieuré-Lichine is one of the most beautiful and expressive wines of the year. Dark, sensual and inviting, it possesses remarkable depth and textural richness. All the elements are in the right place. Silky tannins, bright red fruit and soaring, lifted aromatics all contribute to the wine's sensual personality. Consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are doing absolutely brilliant work here. The new winery, inaugurated with the 2015 harvest, is giving the team the flexibility to pick and vinify smaller lots, which is one of the reasons quality has improved in recent vintages. The blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.

Layered and rich with plenty of ripe fruit and ripe tannins. Full body, round and chewy tannins and a citrusy finish. Excellent like the 2015.

The 2016 Prieure-Lichine has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and a bold, intensely scented nose of warm blackcurrants, black raspberries and mulberries with hints of cedar chest, tobacco, dried herbs and iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate has bags of class with lovely, vibrant black berries flavors and earthy sparks framed by ripe grainy tannins, finishing long and refreshing.

The 2016 Prieuré-Lichine has a compact bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, allspice and light pressed iris scents that are nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, offering fine balance, moderate depth and gentle grip toward the finish, which attenuates when you want it to spread out. Give it some time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.