2020 Prieure-Lichine (Margaux)

Plenty of juicy dripping autumnal fruit, cassis and blueberry with a crack of black pepper and a good lick of saline freshness on the finish that makes you want to take another sip. One of the clear successes, intense and concentrated with balanced tannins and acidity, if some bitter almond overtones. A yield of 32hl/ha. 40% new oak. Harvested right through to October 1st. 93 points

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Prieure-Lichine offers up notes of fresh redcurrants, blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries and dried Provence herbs, plus wafts of tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of pure black and red fruit flavors, framed by grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift. 91-93 points

Black core with purplish rim. Fragrant with the intense aromas of cassis and spicy black plum. A little sweeter-smelling than some but also dark and savoury, with subtle oak spice and char. Even a light floral note entwined with all that dark fruit. The oak is a little more obvious on the palate, as much in the smooth but thick tannins as in the flavour. Full in the mouth but nicely dry and fresh on the finish. 17 points