Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 2015 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A wine that fully expresses the terroir of a great vintage, with a harmonious, open nose; the grapes are perfectly ripe (with no “overripe” notes); it has a full-bodied texture and flavorful tannins, and is already long and complex.

About the estate:

With a complex portfolio of vineyards spread across various sectors of the appellation, this estate is gradually becoming a benchmark for discerning wine enthusiasts. The new fermentation facility allows for plot-by-plot vinification, giving each its own chance, and the viticultural choices inspired by the estate’s consultant, Stéphane Derenoncourt, account for the quality of the latest harvests. The wine possesses all the expected finesse and grace, in a form that is immediately apparent, and prices remain reasonable.

Decanter

About the wine:

This wine offers a perfect balance between the richness of plum and blackcurrant on the one hand, and elegance and freshness on the other—a balance that is exceptionally difficult to achieve. Notes of eucalyptus, licorice, and spices on the finish make it simply delicious. It reflects the richness of the vintage, enhanced by the work carried out at the château. The harvest spanned four weeks, compared to just three in 2010, which was also an exceptional vintage. However, the more intensive plot-by-plot work carried out in 2015, along with higher yields (42 hl/ha versus 32 hl/ha in 2010), allowed the fruit to develop more fully. For me, this is without a doubt the best wine I have ever tasted from this estate. Aged 50% in new oak barrels. 2025–2045

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Founded by the monks of Vertheuil Abbey, the former Saint-Didier de Cantenac priory produced a wine that was already renowned during the Ancien Régime. But it owes its fame—and its current name (the estate was then known as Prieuré-Cantenac)—to Alexis Lichine. This famous American-Russian owner and wine merchant, nicknamed the “wine pope” and author of an *Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits from All Countries* that served as a long-standing reference, acquired the estate in 1951 and revived it. Owned by the Bordeaux-based Ballande group since 1999, it comprises 80 hectares of vineyards located in the heart of the Cantenac-Margaux plateau. Étienne Charrier has been in charge of technical management since 2009.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The estate has been owned by the Ballande Group, based in New Caledonia, since 1999. Since the new winery began operations in 2013, we have seen significant improvements. The wines, which sometimes lacked body and depth compared to the best, have become much more full-bodied. This new ambition and the resources that were allocated were necessary. The reasonable prices make this a great deal for wine lovers.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This is a fragrant wine, rich in blackcurrant flavors and acidity, with firm tannins. It is concentrated and dense, yet remains elegant. The finish highlights ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Best enjoyed starting in 2025.

Vinous

About the wine:

Prieuré-Lichine 2015 has truly blossomed over the past two years. Sumptuous, powerful, and refined, with no rough edges or angular contours, the 2015 vintage is exceptionally elegant. The purity of the aromas is striking. Lively floral and spicy notes pleasantly enhance the 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 facilities. Prieuré-Lichine 2015 is simply stunning. Not to be missed under any circumstances. 2025–2040

James Suckling

About the wine:

Very ripe aromas of black plum, rich and sweet spices, and earthy notes. On the palate, it reveals an impressive core of black fruit—rich, smooth, and velvety—supported by a powerful and concentrated structure. This is a superb Margaux. Best enjoyed starting in 2022.