Very bright up front, with lots of floral lift leading the way while the core of warmed cassis and steeped plum tags along behind. Smoldering feel on the finish, with dark tea and sandalwood accents filling in. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2032. 13,000 cases made. — JM

The 2015 Prieure-Lichine has an opulent, rounded bouquet, quite flashy and plush, that is enjoyable but missing the typicity of the Margaux appellation. The fresh, clean, medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, fine acidity, and black pepper and clove toward the finish. Well crafted, but if lacks the brightness of its peers at the moment. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

The 2015 Château Prieure Lichine is slightly baked and rustic, and a solid step back from the 2014 (which is rarely the case). Chocolate, cooked cherries, licorice and earthy notes all emerge from the glass, and it offers medium-bodied textures and depth on the palate. It's good, but not one of the best out there and from an appellation that's at the top of the heap in 2015, this is a disappointment.