Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 2018 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Powerful, with a touch of austerity, sincere and complex. It will certainly improve with age.

About the estate:

With a complex portfolio of vineyards spread across different sectors of the appellation, this cru is gradually becoming a benchmark for attentive observers. The new fermentation facility allows for plot-by-plot vinification, giving each plot its due, 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 finesse and elegance one would expect, in a style that is immediately apparent, and the prices remain reasonable.

Decanter

About the wine:

Power, character, and richness abound, with well-integrated notes of blackcurrant and Damascus fruit. This is a well-crafted wine with hints of chocolate shavings, silky tannins, and a very spicy finish. Yield of 35 hl/ha. 45% new oak. 2026–2042

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 called Prieuré-Cantenac)—to Alexis Lichine. This famous American-Russian wine owner and merchant, nicknamed the “Pope of Wine” and author of an *Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits from All Countries* that long served as a standard 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 winemaker took office in 2013, we have seen very noticeable progress. 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 wine reveals the generous richness of the vintage while retaining its finesse, thanks to delicate tannins and a crisp blackcurrant acidity. Its structure and fruit promise excellent aging potential. Best enjoyed starting in 2027. — Roger Voss

Vinous

About the wine:

Prieuré-Lichine 2018 is a magnificent and elegant wine. The powerful aromas of Cabernet give it savory notes that complement the vintage’s natural brilliance. Sumptuous and sensual, with no harshness whatsoever and exceptional balance, this 2018 reaches new heights. Notes of dried herbs, rose petals, cedar, tobacco, and mint linger on the finely crafted, persistent finish. It is a particularly understated wine for its vintage. 2028–2048

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of blackberries, white pepper, and hints of tuile. It is full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins, yet beautifully polished and well-integrated. A lingering finish. It needs time to soften and come together. Best enjoyed after 2024.

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

The truly unique and beautifully fragrant nose, with notes of ripe strawberry, blueberry, and violet, adds complexity to the wine, which unfolds into a well-defined palate with flawless smoothness.