2019 Prieure-Lichine (Margaux)

Plump black fruits, medium to full intensity plum colour with a violet rim and slate-edged tannins that slow things down on the end of the wine. The trick with a Margaux wine is to get concentration without losing elegance, and they have pulled that off here. It`s an excellent Prieuré, with a slow build through the palate, if not quite at the height of the wines that have been produced at this estate in 2016 and 2018 but you are not going to be disappointed here. Tasted twice two weeks apart. Stéphane Derenoncourt consultant. 93 points

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Prieure-Lichine bursts from the glass with notes of warm black plums, blackcurrant cordial and ripe blueberries plus hints of camphor, violets, cardamom and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black and blue fruit layers, framed by finely grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Impressive showing! 92-94+ points

The 2019 Prieuré-Lichine has a dense and assertive bouquet with blackberry, loamy earth and touches of crushed violet. There is a pastille-like element that comes through with time. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, a pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the black fruit that grips the palate. I wonder if this underwent a bit more extraction this year? Grippy and solid on the finish, this is a broad-shouldered Margaux that will need 4-5 years in the cellar. 91-93 points

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample. Marked Cabernet cassis aroma with crunchy, fresh appeal. Lively, animated palate that is both juicy and suave. Ample fruit to coat the firm but ripe tannins. Good length and persistence. 17 points