2014 Château Prieuré-Lichine

The 2014 Prieuré-Lichine was one of the turn up for the books, surpassing all previous showings. It has a classy bouquet with vibrant red fruit, damp loam, cedar and freshly rolled tobacco aromas. This is almost Saint-Julien in style. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that frame slightly herbaceous red fruit. It does not have immense depth or concentration, yet it comes across as harmonious and linear. A tingle of black pepper remains on the aftertaste. One of the pleasant surprises of the tasting. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Open and aromatic and perhaps some dried fruits here. A bit pruney. Chewy tannins dominate the fruit but it makes a decent whole. Chewy and fresh on the finish. (JH)

This is rich and still young on the nose, with density through the mid palate and a silky texture to the tannins, capturing the gourmet but finely balanced elegance that is so sought after in the Margaux appellation. Cocoa bean, black cherry, crushed mint on the finish giving a cooling blast. Great balance, a wine to look out for that I remember loving En Primeur and is delivering today. 50% new oak. They were working with a new cellar from this vintage, with an increase in small sized vats allowing better plot reactivity. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant.