2014 Chateau Prieure-Lichine Margaux 750 ml

Collector-Worthy Bordeaux Showstopper

Consistently among the best producers in Margaux, Château Prieuré-Lichine released a sensuous, brooding showstopper in Bordeaux’s classic 2014 vintage. The critics have been all over this effort, with Vinous’s Antonio Galloni declaring in a 94-point review: “Silky, perfumed and gracious on the palate, the wine exudes class.” James Suckling matched Galloni’s 94 points, calling it “fragrant and very attractive.” Founded in the 12th century by monks, the estate has reached new heights under consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt who is “the world’s hottest winemaker,” according to Wine Spectator. Best of all, today we’re able to offer this superb 2014 Margaux for just $50 — 44% off the market price of $89.99! If you collect age-worthy Left Bank Bordeaux, this is a must-buy.

In vintage after vintage, the rolling Garonne gravel slopes beneath Prieuré-Lichine have turned out wines marked by opulent, supple texture and gorgeous dark-berry notes, drawing raves from Robert Parker among all the top critics. The estate was founded in the 12th century by the monks of the Vertheuil, who cultivated wines for use at religious ceremonies. With time, their efforts became so highly regarded that the abbey’s wines were taxed at the same level as those of Hermitage and Clos de Vougeot.

The property switched ownership on a few occasions throughout the ensuing centuries, falling into the hands of Russian-American Alexis Lichine, known as “The Pope of Wine,” in 1951. Lichine, a passionate lover of Margaux’s wines, embarked on a revitalization of the château, extensively expanding the vineyard holdings and renovating the cellars. His personal connection to the château that took his name was so great that at his death, he requested to be buried on the lands there.

Today, consulting winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt has continued Lichine’s legacy and heightened Prieuré-Lichine’s reputation even further, earning rave reviews from critics and collectors. By focusing on and respecting the diversity of the vineyards, tended plot by plot on some of Margaux’s finest gravel outcroppings, he’s made the château synonymous with a lush, opulent, seductive style.

In 2014, a vintage Galloni determined was Bordeaux’s best since 2010, the critics marked this as a shoe-in for the cellar. Pinning on 94 points, Galloni called it “just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel” and declared it “quite beautiful and polished even at this early stage.” Suckling, who found the wine “fragrant and very attractive,” put up 94 points as well, making this one of the vintage’s best buys for the price — a quintessential expression of Margaux.

- Wine Access Wine Team