96/100
James Suckling
96/100
Decanter
96/100
Bettane & Desseauve
95/100
Vinous
95/100
Wine Enthusiast
"A lovely, sensual, and silky classic, where everything blends together perfectly. Not to be missed under any circumstances!"
"This wine offers a perfect balance between the generosity of plum and blackcurrant on the one hand, and elegance and freshness on the other—a balance that is extremely difficult to achieve. Notes of eucalyptus, licorice, and spices on the finish make it simply delicious. It reflects the succulence of the vintage, enhanced by the work accomplished at the château. The harvest lasted four weeks, compared to only three in 2010, which was also an exceptional vintage. However, the more thorough work carried out on the plots in 2015, as well as the higher yields (42 hl/ha compared to 32 hl/ha in 2010), allowed the fruit to develop better. For me, this is undoubtedly the best wine I have ever tasted from this estate." (Decanter 2018) - Delivery in wooden cases is available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on the country and shipping method selected).
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Eye
Beautiful garnet color with bluish highlights
Nose
Aromas of ripe red fruits enhanced with spices, as well as toasted notes and subtle hints of vanilla.
Mouth
Round and generous, with a beautiful texture and a solid tannic structure that will soften with time.
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2040
Production
213,000 bottles
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with roast beef, duck breast, Black Forest cake...
Bettane & Desseauve
Wine rated (2019 guide) 96/100
Rated estate (2023 guide) 4 stars (Producers of very high quality, those who are the pride of French vineyards)
About wine:
Full expression of the vintage in a great year, harmonious, open nose, perfectly ripe grapes (no "decadent" elements), full-bodied texture, delicious tannins, already long and complex.
About the estate:
With its complex parcel layout spread across different areas of the appellation, this wine is gradually becoming a benchmark for attentive observers. The new vat room allows for parcel-by-parcel vinification, giving each parcel its chance, and the viticultural choices inspired by the estate's consultant, Stéphane Derenoncourt, explain the quality of the latest harvests. The wine has all the finesse and grace one would expect, in an immediately perceptible form, and the prices remain reasonable.
Decanter
Wine rated (2018 guide) 96/100
About wine:
This wine offers a perfect balance between the generosity of plum and blackcurrant on the one hand, and elegance and freshness on the other – a balance that is extremely difficult to achieve. Notes of eucalyptus, licorice, and spices on the finish make it simply delicious. It reflects the succulence of the vintage, enhanced by the work carried out at the château. The harvest lasted four weeks, compared to only three in 2010, which was also an exceptional vintage. However, the more thorough work carried out on the plots in 2015, as well as the higher yields (42 hl/ha compared to 32 hl/ha in 2010), allowed the fruit to develop better. For me, this is undoubtedly the best wine I have ever tasted from this estate. Aged 50% in new oak barrels. 2025-2045
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate (2023 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
Founded by the monks of Vertheuil Abbey, the former Saint-Didier de Cantenac priory produced wine that was already renowned during the Ancien Régime. But it owes its fame—and its current name (the wine was then called Prieuré-Cantenac)—to Alexis Lichine. This famous American-Russian owner and merchant, nicknamed the "wine pope" and author of an encyclopedia of wines and spirits from around the world that served as a reference for many years, acquired the estate in 1951 and revived it. Owned by the Bordeaux-based Ballande group since 1999, it has 80 hectares of vines planted in the heart of the Cantenac-Margaux plateau. Étienne Charrier has been in charge of technical management since 2009.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2023 guide) 1*Star (Up-and-coming stars or quality winemakers producing good-quality wines; you won't be disappointed when tasting the wines from these estates)
About the estate:
Since 1999, the vineyard has belonged to the Ballande group, based in New Caledonia. Since the new vat room came into operation in 2013, we have seen significant progress. The wines, which sometimes lacked volume and depth compared to the best, have become much denser. This new ambition and the resources that have been provided were necessary. The reasonable prices make it a great deal for wine lovers.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2018 guide) 95/100
About wine:
This is a fragrant wine, rich in blackcurrant and acidity, with firm tannins. It is concentrated and dense, yet elegant. The finish highlights ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Best enjoyed from 2025 onwards.
Vinous
Wine rated (2018 guide) 95/100
About wine:
Prieuré-Lichine 2015 has truly blossomed over the past two years. Sumptuous, powerful, and distinguished, with no rough edges or sharp corners, the 2015 vintage is extremely elegant. The purity of the aromas is striking. Bright floral and spicy notes pleasantly enhance the red stone fruits in this sensual and silky Margaux. Everything harmonizes perfectly. This is the first vintage produced by Stéphane Derenoncourt and his team in the new technical facilities. Prieuré-Lichine 2015 is simply stunning. Not to be missed under any circumstances. 2025-2040
James Suckling
Wine rated (2018 guide) 96/100
About wine:
Very ripe aromas of black plum, rich and sweet spices, and earthy notes. The palate reveals an impressive core of black fruit, rich, smooth, and creamy, supported by a powerful and concentrated structure. This is a superb Margaux. Best enjoyed from 2022 onwards.