Château PRIEURÉ-LICHINE 2015
In Cantenac, in the heart of the Margaux appellation, Château Prieuré-Lichine occupies a fragmented vineyard across several renowned sectors of the commune. Fourth Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate owes much of its modern identity to Alexis Lichine, who acquired it in the 1950s and patiently set about rebuilding its wine heritage. The vineyard rests on a mosaic of gravel, sand, and more clayey soils, allowing precise adaptation of grape varieties to the characteristics of each plot. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, freshness, and length, while Merlot adds more flesh and suppleness to the mid-palate. Petit Verdot completes the blend with a spicy dimension and additional depth. The 2015 vintage, generous and particularly favorable to Margaux, allowed the grapes to ripen fully while retaining beautiful aromatic freshness. Prieuré-Lichine 2015 thus stands out with a broad, floral, and velvety style, with a tannic framework already well integrated.
Château Prieuré-Lichine 2015 blends 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine with expressions of blackcurrant, graphite, and cedar, while Merlot brings more roundness and depth to the heart of the palate. Petit Verdot enhances the color, spicy notes, and persistence. The different plots are vinified separately to preserve their identity before the final blending. Extractions are carried out precisely to support the natural richness of the vintage without hardening the tannins. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the material and contributes to the integration of fruit, wood, and structure. After more than ten years in bottle, the 2015 begins to reveal a more tertiary complexity while still retaining a good margin for evolution.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by violet, cedar, and licorice. With aeration, cocoa, blond tobacco, sweet spices, and fine graphite nuances gradually appear. The palate is broad and velvety, with ripe and now well-integrated tannins that give depth without rigidity. Merlot provides a supple and fleshy texture, while Cabernet Sauvignon maintains beautiful tension and length. The finish remains fresh and persistent, with black fruits, spices, and a discreet mineral touch. Château Prieuré-Lichine 2015 will accompany roasted rack of lamb, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, duck breast, or veal with morels.
Grape varieties: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
