Prieuré Lichine

History of Château Prieuré-Lichine

The history of Château Prieuré-Lichine begins in medieval times, in the 10th century, with the foundation of the Priory of Cantenac by Benedictine monks from Vertheuil Abbey. From its origins, the priory and its vineyards attracted attention for the quality of their parish wines. In 1444, the estate was officially mentioned for the first time as a recognised cru. During this period, the Church, supported by Pope Clement V, ensured the prosperity of religious vineyards.

In the 18th century, a "planting frenzy" took hold of the Médoc, transforming the priory lands into full-fledged vineyards. The estate entered a new era of renown when it was included in the classification of the Bordeaux Intendance in 1745 as a Third Growth. Under the First Empire, the merchant Durand Delains took over the property, and in 1855, during the famous Imperial Bordeaux Classification, Château Prieuré-Lichine was promoted to the rank of Fourth Classified Growth, recognising the excellence of its wines.

The 20th century was not without challenges. After weathering the crises of powdery mildew, phylloxera, and the Great Depression, the estate found itself in a state of decline. In 1951, it was purchased by Alexis Lichine, a famous wine critic and merchant. This visionary renamed the property "Château Prieuré-Lichine" and, through his tireless efforts, restored the property to its former glory. Alexis Lichine, nicknamed "the Pope of Wine", modernised the facilities, expanded the vineyards, and made Château Prieuré-Lichine a world reference.

In 1999, the Lichine family sold the estate to the Ballande Group, which continued the work begun by Alexis Lichine by combining tradition and innovation. Under the direction of oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, the estate began a new chapter, marked by a modernisation of the cellars and precise, plot-by-plot vinification.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Prieuré-Lichine

The Château Prieuré-Lichine vineyard now extends over 78 hectares on the left bank, spread across the five communes of the Margaux appellation. This great diversity of plots, composed mainly of gravel soils, gives the wines exceptional complexity and finesse. The gravel, formed during the Quaternary glacial meltdowns, consists of conglomerates of pebbles, gravel, sand, and clay sediments, offering perfect drainage conditions for vine cultivation.

The estate's grape varieties are composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (45%), and Petit Verdot (5%), a typical blend of the great Médoc growths. The vines, averaging 40 years old, are planted at a high density (8,500 vines per hectare), allowing for concentration of the wines' aromas and structure. Thanks to rigorous and sustainable management, the estate promotes environmentally friendly practices, which earned it High Environmental Value (HVE) certification in 2019.

Winemaking at Château Prieuré-Lichine

Since 2013, Château Prieuré-Lichine has benefited from an ultra-modern vat room, composed of 34 concrete vats, including 20 tulip-shaped ones. These vats allow for precise vinification, plot by plot, respecting the unique characteristics of each terroir. Gravity-fed vat filling and optical sorting of the berries ensure rigorous selection of the grapes, thus preserving the quality of the wines.

Fermentation takes place in these double-skinned vats, allowing optimal temperature control and gentle extraction of tannins. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrels before the wines are aged for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 55 to 65% of which are new. This ageing method gives Prieuré-Lichine wines a complex structure, deep aromas, and exceptional ageing potential.

The wines of Château Prieuré-Lichine

Château Prieuré-Lichine offers several cuvées, each expressing the richness and diversity of its terroirs.

Grand Vin du Château Prieuré-Lichine - Margaux

The estate's flagship cuvée, the Grand Vin du Château Prieuré-Lichine, is a classic Margaux, made from a blend of 65 to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 to 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. This wine perfectly embodies the elegance and finesse of the Margaux appellation, with aromas of black fruits, silky tannins, and ageing potential of over 25 years for great vintages. It is a rich and complex wine, ideal for lovers of great Bordeaux wines.

Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine - Margaux

The estate's second wine, Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine, is made with a strong dominance of Merlot, which gives it roundness and suppleness on the palate. This wine, to be drunk within 5 to 10 years of bottling, is distinguished by fruity aromas and a silky texture, perfect for those seeking a more accessible Margaux.

Le Clocher du Prieuré - Haut-Médoc

A small production from the estate, Le Clocher du Prieuré is a 100% Merlot cuvée from the Haut-Médoc. This wine is marked by its richness, with aromas of fresh fruits and a beautiful structure. It has a similar ageing potential to the estate's second wine, between 5 and 10 years.

Le Blanc du Château Prieuré-Lichine - Bordeaux Blanc

The estate also produces a small gem in white, Le Blanc du Château Prieuré-Lichine, a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. This white wine, formerly used for mass wine by the clergy, is now vinified in the pure tradition of great Bordeaux white wines. With its aromas of tropical fruits and citrus, it should be drunk within 2 to 3 years after bottling to appreciate all its freshness.

The finest vintages of Margaux, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wines, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years are 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. Recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly regarded for their structure and richness. Other years such as 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 confirm Margaux's consistency in producing exceptional wines, symbolising Bordeaux excellence.

Discover the full range of Fourth Classified Growths from Bordeaux, each one representing the richness of the Médoc's prestigious terroirs. In Saint-Julien, explore the wines of Château Beychevelle, Château Branaire-Ducru, and Château Talbot. In Pauillac, Château Duhart-Milon offers wines with the typical character of the appellation, while Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe provides robust vintages. In the Haut-Médoc, Château La Tour Carnet stands out, while Margaux's reputation is upheld by estates such as Château Marquis de Terme, Château Pouget, Château Prieuré-Lichine, and Château Saint-Pierre. Each of these estates reflects, in its own way, the unique identity of the Fourth Growths.

Château Prieuré-Lichine, with its centuries of history and constant commitment to excellence, remains a jewel of the Margaux appellation. Its ability to marry tradition and innovation makes it an essential estate for lovers of great growths. The Château's wines, whether the prestigious Grand Vin, the Confidences, or the Blanc, seduce with their finesse, complexity, and ageing potential. For those wishing to discover or rediscover the Margaux appellation, Château Prieuré-Lichine is the perfect expression of the expertise and unique terroir of this renowned wine-growing region.