2018 Confidences de Prieuré Lichine, Margaux

Plum, pomegranate, rose-hip, graphite and vanilla aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Layered and elegant. Second wine of Prieure-Lichine. Try from 2024.

92 points James Suckling

A little Margaux elegance without the Grand Cru Classé price tag. Confidences de Prieuré Lichine is the second wine of Château Prieuré Lichine, the historic Fourth Growth estate whose origins date back to the Benedictine monks of Cantenac. The château was transformed in the twentieth century by the legendary wine merchant Alexis Lichine and is now owned by the Ballande family. Its second wine shares the estate's polished style, with an emphasis on supple fruit and early approachability.

The warm, sunny 2018 vintage was an excellent year for Bordeaux, producing richly flavoured reds with ripe tannins and impressive concentration. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot form the heart of this Margaux blend, combining dark berry fruit with the fragrant, refined character for which the appellation is famous.

Deep ruby red with developing garnet highlights. Blackcurrant, ripe plum and dark cherry mingle with violet, cedar, graphite and a touch of sweet tobacco. The palate is plush and beautifully balanced, with succulent black fruits, polished tannins and a gentle savoury character. Hints of cocoa, dried herbs and warm spice linger through a smooth, elegant finish.

Try it with duck breast and cherry jus, grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic, or roasted portobello mushrooms stuffed with lentils and walnuts. A classic beef bourguignon would be equally delicious.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032. Entering an attractive drinking window, with the fruit and structure to develop further savoury complexity.