2020 Château Prieuré‑Lichine

The 2020 Château Prieuré‑Lichine is a refined and classically expressive Margaux that reflects both the lushness of the vintage and the estate’s gravelly, floral terroir. On the nose, it offers a fragrant bouquet of redcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry, layered with tobacco leaf, chocolate, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. 

On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, showing plush fruit framed by polished, fine-grained tannins. There is a silky texture underpinned by a lively backbone of acidity, with notes of cassis, dark cherry, and a touch of spicy oak.  The finish lingers with a subtle herbaceous lift and a saline minerality that gives it drive and balance. 

Critically, the 2020 Prieuré‑Lichine has earned very strong praise:

• James Suckling awarded it 96 points, noting its black cherries, licorice, tobacco, and very fine, creamy tannins.  
• Wine Enthusiast rated it 95, highlighting its concentration, ripe black fruit, and the tension between its density and structure.  
• Decanter gave it 94, praising its floral lift, mineral texture, and elegant, saline finish.  
• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) scored it 91–93, calling out its vivid fruit, herbal nuance, and grainy tannins.  
• Jeb Dunnuck awarded 92, observing a “solid perfume” of redcurrant and blueberry with smoky oak and chocolate, and noting the wine’s depth and long finish.  
• Wine Spectator rated it 92, describing it as ripe and focused, with violet and alder framing a core of plum and blackcurrant fruit.  
• Falstaff gave it 92–94, citing cassis, black cherry, tobacco, nougat, and a mineral, salty finish.  

All told, the 2020 Prieuré‑Lichine is a polished, elegant Margaux with both charm and structure. It’s drinkable now with some decanting, but its balance and texture suggest it will age gracefully over the next decade or more.

Local pickup only - Dayton, OH