2011 Château Prieuré-Lichine
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Tasting notes
This is painfully tannic which is a shame because beneath there is lovely fruit which is full of light. Should probably give this the bennifit of the doubt.
Critic scores
James Suckling
FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
A little more evolved than the 2009 and 2010, showing touches of leather and tobacco, a great moment to start drinking. This was an early season, and the tannins are angular as I often find with the 2011s right now, but there is a floral edge that brings us to Margaux and an enticing woodsmoke curl alongside white pepper, cigar box and raspberry fruit. Good to go. 32hl/h yield, early harvest from September 12 to 28. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant.
The 2011 Prieuré-Lichine does not quite have the complexity and clarity of its peers, touches of graphite and pencil box, though it does cohere with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, quite peppery in style, moderate weight though it lacks a bit of flair towards the finish. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
Tasted blind. Shaded crimson. More interesting, savoury, herbal notes on the nose than some of its peers. Though it’s pretty tough and tart on the palate. You need to wait a while and cross your fingers very tightly. (JR)
About the producer
After 50 years under the direction of the Lichine family, this leading Margaux estate entered a new chapter in 1999 when négociant Ballande took the reins, continuing the property’s previous upward trajectory.