Critic Notes
This beautiful Margaux might not exceed the 2015 but it is undeniably doing a good job of keeping up. It combines elegance and richness, with extremely well extracted deep fruits and plenty of layers of finesse in the form of charcoal, slate, grilled almonds and cloves. An excellent Prieuré with good ageing potential. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2027-2050
Score: 95-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2027-2050
The 2016 Prieuré-Lichine is one of the most beautiful and expressive wines of the year. Dark, sensual and inviting, it possesses remarkable depth and textural richness. All the elements are in the right place. Silky tannins, bright red fruit and soaring, lifted aromatics all contribute to the wine's sensual personality. Consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are doing absolutely brilliant work here. The new winery, inaugurated with the 2015 harvest, is giving the team the flexibility to pick and vinify smaller lots, which is one of the reasons quality has improved in recent vintages. The blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
Score: 93-96/100Antonio Galloni
Layered and rich with plenty of ripe fruit and ripe tannins. Full body, round and chewy tannins and a citrusy finish. Excellent like the 2015. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Score: 93-94/100James Suckling
This captures the essence of the vintage, with a mix of dark plum and currant flavors, accented by cherry and raspberry fruit, all backed by energetic, brambly tannins and mouthwatering underlying acidity. Apr 2017, James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com
Score: 91-94/100Wine Spectator
The 2016 Prieure-Lichine took a little encouragement from the glass, eventually revealing blackberry, blueberry and violet aromas, just a touch of earthiness in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin cloaked in plenty of succulent black fruit tinged with graphite and smoke. I admire the linearity of this classic Margaux, quite persistent in the mouth with satisfying freshness from start to finish. I am sure this will reside at the top of my banded score once in bottle. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com
Score: 90-92/100Neal Martin
Rather a sumptuous alluring nose. Mild and sweet on the palate without great drive, but inoffensive certainly. No great length. Apr 2017, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2024-2036
Score: 16.5-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2024-2036
