Château Prieure-Lichine 2023

Château Prieure-Lichine is a long-established estate in Margaux, on the left bank of Bordeaux in the Médoc, working sustainably. The wine is the classic Médoc blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Margaux is defined by its deep gravel soils, laid down over limestone and clay, which drain freely and reflect heat back onto the vines, helping Cabernet Sauvignon, a late grape, to ripen fully. The maritime climate of the Gironde estuary moderates extremes and gives a long, even growing season. After fermentation the wine ages in oak barrels, where slow oxygen transfer through the wood softens the firm Cabernet tannin and adds cedar, vanilla and spice, while the barrel marries the components together. Cabernet provides structure and blackcurrant, Merlot rounds the mid-palate with plum, and Petit Verdot adds colour and a peppery lift. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry with vanilla, tobacco and a fine earthy, gravelly note, and the palate is structured and elegant, with firm but polished tannin and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits roast lamb, beef and duck.