Prieuré Lichine 2002

This wine may ultimately be superior to the 2003. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sexy concoction of melted licorice, black cherries, and currants intermixed with hints of tobacco, spice box, and earth. With medium body, excellent ripeness, and a pure, concentrated finish, it will provide attractive drinking now and over the next 10-12 years.

There have been significant changes made at this well-known estate that now boasts Stephane Derenoncourt as its consultant. The wine remains primarily a blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a tiny dosage of Petit Verdot and even less Cabernet Franc. Yields have been cut significantly to under 35 hectoliters per hectare, and of course much more work is now being done in the vineyard than ever before.

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This is a great Prieuré-Lichine. Very impressive definition on the nose with notes of black cherries, violets, wild hedgerow and a touch of crushed stone. Tannic, full-bodied palate, good extraction, fine acidity, still unresolved new oak but good weight and persistency on the clean, blackberry, raspberry and lemon rind finish. Bravo! Tasted October 2009.

Drink 2008-14. Quite heady and ripe on the nose. Sweet start and rather plummy. Very flattering. Not for the very long term but very satisfying and lip smacking in the short term. Very solid!

One of the finest vintages for Prieure-Lichine in decades, the 2002 exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, luscious fruit, a seductive, forward style, and medium body. The aromatic profile includes a sexy concoction of black currants, cherries, earth, and a hint of charred wood presented in a lovely, silky-textured style. Drink it during its first 10-12 years of life, although I suspect it will last longer. This is a sleeper of the vintage. Well-known St.-Emilion winemaking consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt is accomplishing splendid things at this property.