Chateau Prieure Lichine 2018

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This wine shows the generous richness of the vintage while restraining it with fine tannins and pure black-currant acidity. The structure and fruits promise long-term aging. Drink this wine from 2027."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Blackberry with white-pepper and some tile undertones on the nose. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins yet so beautifully polished and composed. Lingering finish. This needs time to soften and come together. Best after 2024."

DECANTER: "Power, character and succulence abound with well-handled cassis and damson fruits. This is good-quality with chocolate shavings, silky tannins and a heavily spiced finish. A yield of 35hl/ha. 45% new oak. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042"

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart florale Nuancen, kandierte Veilchen, frisches Cassis, schwarze Waldbeeren, feine Edelholznuancen sind unterlegt. Komplex, stoffig, Brombeerkonfit, ein Hauch von Feigen, integrierte Tannine, frisch und mineralisch, zartes Nougat im Abgang, gutes Reifepotenzial. (2020–2045)"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Black, red and blue fruit, smoke, espresso and herbs connect in the nose. The wine is rich, concentrated, lush, round and polished. The fruit is ripe, dark, expressive and comes accompanied by coffee bean, licorice and dark cocoa nuances on the mid-palate and in the finish."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2018 Château Prieure-Lichine is terrific and certainly a step up over past vintages. Pure black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and cedarwood notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, elegant and nicely focused on the palate, with a solid sense of freshness and purity. With moderate tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length, it's a beautiful wine. It already offers pleasure with a decant yet should hit prime time in 4-5 years and keep for 15-20 years. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, brought up in 45% new French oak."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very bright up front, with lots of floral lift leading the way while the core of warmed cassis and steeped plum tags along behind. Smoldering feel on the finish, with dark tea and sandalwood accents filling in. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2032."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine sings of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh red and black currants, followed by hints of powdered cinnamon, lilacs and bouquet garni. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with bags of freshness and a soft texture framing the red berry and spicy layers, finishing with an herbal lift."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Intense, savoury nose. Composed and mouth-filling with a dry end but lots of purple fruit (elderberry?) on the way there. Clean and cool."