2010 Château Prieuré-Lichine
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Tasting notes
An exceptional vintage, higher in fresh acidities that the 2009 but no drop in generosity, accentuating the juice running through the rich black fruits. Plenty of tannic grip, with tobacco, cigar box, spice and smoked earth. Uncurls and deepens after an hour in the glass. You will find 2010 classified Bordeaux wines that are more closed than this, and in fact this Prieuré is relatively similar in profile to the 2009, more so than at many estates where the 2010 is far more severe - something that makes this a great choice for drinking now and over the next decade without worrying that you are missing out on its best moments. 37hl/h yield, 50% new oak, harvest September 30 to October 20. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant.
Critic scores
Jeannie Cho Lee MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Prieure-Lichine opens with notes of sweaty leather, tobacco and underbrush over a core of warm red and black currants and baked plums plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is refreshing and chewy with plenty of earthy/savory layers and an herbal finish.
Tasted blind. Browning garnet. Ripe, sweet aroma of dried cherries and leaf mulch. The fruit flavours are mature but there’s still a marked sweetness and the fruit stands up to the big but rounded tannins. Tiring on the finish. (JH)
Black truffle and dark berries. Full body, round and fresh tannins and fresh acidity give this lift and intensity. Drink or hold.
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.