Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 2016 - Second Vin

Bettane & Desseauve

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 expected, in an immediately perceptible form, and the prices remain reasonable.

Decanter

About wine:

This wine is rich in black fruit flavors, which are preserved in the cellar through careful pumping over and short maceration periods at a maximum temperature of 26°C. The grapes come from a wide range of sites, which allows winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt to vinify them separately and blend them after aging—thus preserving the subtle identity of each in the final wine. Bottled in May 2018. 2020–2028

Guide Hachette des vins

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

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

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.

James Suckling

About wine:

The red fruit notes are very appealing here, with plenty of raspberries, blackberries, and redcurrants. The palate is delightfully juicy and succulent, featuring red berries and a crisp, lively finish. The second wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine. Best enjoyed starting in 2023.