Prieuré Lichine has done a great job of capturing the rich concentration in the cassis and blackberry fruits that are easily found in 2018, wrapped up perfectly in juicy, vibrant strands of acidity and tannin. There`s no question that this is an intense wine, and although the alcohol is not especially high it has a generous texture. Spice notes lend a sense of uplift to balance out the exuberance of the palate. I expect this will close down for a good few years before coming into its own. Prieuré Lichine operate a gravity-fed winery for gentle handling of the fruit. 2018 saw a yield of 35hl/ha. Aged in 45% new oak. Drink 2027 - 2042. 94 points

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot; 45% new oak.Black core with barely a purple rim. Very dark but lively fruit and an attractive crushed-stones overlay. Juicy and lifted on the palate, finely textured and already harmonious. The tannins are nicely layered and compact but overall a welcome lightness of touch that should result in greater elegance in bottle. 17 points

The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous raspberry coulis, chocolate-covered cherries and warm cassis scents with hints of candied violets, licorice, camphor and wilted roses. The full-bodied, richly fruited palate is beautifully perfumed with loads of floral accents and has a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long with some mineral notions coming through. Very pretty. 91-93 points

The 2018 Prieuré-Lichine is gorgeous. Bright and racy in the glass, the 2018 impresses with its magnificent purity of fruit. In 2018, Prieuré-Lichine has terrific energy and cut. It is perhaps a bit less creamy than the 2016, but also impeccable in its balance. Part of that is driven by the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in 2018. Rose petal, lavender, mint and spice add nuance to a core of red/purplish fruit. Tasted two times. 92-95 points

This is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, with a yield of 35 hl/ha, and the declared alcohol is 13.5%. It presents a nose of creamed blackcurrant fruits, with black cherry, damson and a rose-petal lift, a confident and yet classic style on the nose. A pretty palate, gently composed but supple, with a body of crushed black fruits at its core, along with firm and tightly grained tannins at the heart of the wine, and a fresh and lively acidity. Polished, substantial, confident, this is a real success for Prieuré-Lichine, right through to those taut and lingering tannins in the finish. Very well done. The élevage will be in 45% new oak and 55% second-fill oak. 93-95 points