Staff Notes:

“This beautiful Margaux might not exceed the 2015 but it is undeniably doing a good job of keeping up. It combines elegance and richness, with extremely well extracted deep fruits and plenty of layers of finesse in the form of charcoal, slate, grilled almonds and cloves. An excellent Prieuré with good ageing potential.” Decanter 95 Points

“This wine's fruit is already delicious, full of black-currant and plum flavors. It's a structured, dense wine, yet full of fruit.” Wine Enthusiast 93-95 Points

“Layered and rich with plenty of ripe fruit and ripe tannins. Full body, round and chewy tannins and a citrusy finish. Excellent like the 2015.” James Suckling 93-94 Points

“The 2016 Prieure-Lichine took a little encouragement from the glass, eventually revealing blackberry, blueberry and violet aromas, just a touch of earthiness in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin cloaked in plenty of succulent black fruit tinged with graphite and smoke. I admire the linearity of this classic Margaux, quite persistent in the mouth with satisfying freshness from start to finish. I am sure this will reside at the top of my banded score once in bottle.” Wine Advocate 90-92 Points

 “The 2016 Prieuré-Lichine is one of the most beautiful and expressive wines of the year. Dark, sensual and inviting, it possesses remarkable depth and textural richness. All the elements are in the right place. Silky tannins, bright red fruit and soaring, lifted aromatics all contribute to the wine's sensual personality. Consulting winemakers Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are doing absolutely brilliant work here. The new winery, inaugurated with the 2015 harvest, is giving the team the flexibility to pick and vinify smaller lots, which is one of the reasons quality has improved in recent vintages. The blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.” Vinous 93-96 Points

“This captures the essence of the vintage, with a mix of dark plum and currant flavors, accented by cherry and raspberry fruit, all backed by energetic, brambly tannins and mouthwatering underlying acidity.” Wine Spectator 91-94 Points