Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 2016 - Second Vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

With its complex parcels of land spread over different parts of the appellation, this cru is gradually becoming a benchmark for attentive observers. The new vat room allows parcel-by-parcel vinification, giving each parcel its own chance, and the viticultural choices inspired by the estate's consultant, Stéphane Derenoncourt, explain the quality of the latest harvest. The wine has all the finesse and grace expected, in an immediately perceptible form, and the prices remain reasonable.

Decanter

About the wine:

It's a wine rich in black fruit, maintained in the cellar through the use of careful pumping-over and short periods of maceration at a maximum of 26°C. The grapes come from a wide range of sites, which helps oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, choose to vinify them separately and blend them after aging - protecting the subtle identity of each in the final wine. Bottled in May 2018. 2020-2028

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Founded by the monks of Vertheuil Abbey, the former priory of Saint-Didier de Cantenac was already producing a renowned wine under the Ancien Régime. But it owes its fame - and its current name: the cru was then called Prieuré-Cantenac - to Alexis Lichine. This famous American-Russian owner and wine merchant, nicknamed the "Pope of Wine" and author of the long-revered Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits of All Countries, acquired the cru in 1951 and brought it back to life. Owned by the Ballande Bordeaux group since 1999, it comprises 80 hectares of vines on the heart of the Cantenac-Margaux plateau. Technical management has been in the hands of Étienne Charrier since 2009.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Since 1999, the vineyard has belonged to the Ballande group, based in New Caledonia. Since the new vat room came on stream in 2013, we've seen significant progress. The wines, which sometimes lacked volume and depth compared to the best, have become much denser. This new ambition and the resources that have been given were necessary. Reasonable prices make this a good deal for wine-lovers.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Red fruits are very attractive here, with lots of raspberries, blackberries, and currants. The palate is nicely juicy and succulent with red berries and a chalky, punchy finish. Second wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine. To be enjoyed from 2023.