Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 2021 - 4ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

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.

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 wine:

Precise and supple, it is well-structured, displaying the vintage’s characteristic delicacy and a Margaux-style profile. A tender and refined wine.

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 elegant wine offers a well-balanced body thanks to its firm tannins. Its location in the southern Médoc lends it a true smoothness and balance. Best enjoyed starting in 2028.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of redcurrant and blackberry, along with lemon zest, cloves, and dried herbs. The palate is elegant and refined, with medium body, fine tannins, and a concentrated, lively finish. Elegant this year. Best enjoyed starting in 2025.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The bouquet of Prieuré-Lichine is characterized by notes of red berries that highlight its freshness. The wine does not seek power—nor has it ever done so—but instead focuses on finesse and elegance. The result is a harmonious, slender wine, yet one endowed with tannins that provide a certain density and a solid foundation. An easy-drinking, savory, and refreshing wine! (Look it up in your dictionaries.) 2024–2037

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity and elegant, offering a delicate concentration and lovely fruit. It features notes of elegant, juicy blackcurrant and violet, with lighter hints of licorice, combined with subtle touches of graphite, crushed red berries, and a hint of crushed blueberries and bourbon vanilla. The palate is fruity, offering a juicy, indulgent character, good definition, precision, a certain purity, freshness, a slightly rounded fruit profile, and good definition. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy, pulpy cherry, violet, and a hint of blackcurrant, combined with subtle hints of vanilla, a subtle touch of licorice, graphite, chocolate, and toast. Good length.