Over the past two decades, Château Prieuré-Lichine has quietly transformed itself into one of the world-class benchmarks of modern Margaux. Once considered a solid but understated Fourth Growth, today it stands shoulder to shoulder with the region’s elite, thanks to visionary ownership, precise vineyard redevelopment, and the influence of consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. The wines now combine the depth and polish of contemporary Bordeaux with the perfume, finesse, and texture that define the appellation’s greatest expressions, proof that Prieuré-Lichine has fully realized its potential as one of Margaux’s true stars.
The history of Château Prieuré-Lichine stretches back to the 12th century, when it was an abbey serving as a key stopover for pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. At that time, the abbey owned some of the greatest vineyards of the Médoc. By 1444, the wines produced at the Prieuré de Cantenac, as it was then called, were already at the top of the wine hierarchy, taxed by the King at the same rate as Hermitage and Clos de Vougeot. Even six centuries ago, Margaux was recognized for producing some of the most elegant wines in France.
Fast forward to 1951, when Alexis Lichine, the man known as “The Pope of Wine,” purchased the estate and two years later added his name to it. With a combination of vision, intellect, and patience, Lichine became one of the key figures behind Margaux’s modern revival. He expanded vineyard holdings, restored the ancient priory with modern facilities, and used his unmatched palate and persuasive pen to champion Bordeaux across the globe. His passing in 1989 marked the end of an era, though his influence lives on, both in his wines and in his timeless writings on Bordeaux.
Today, Prieuré-Lichine is owned by the Ballande Group, who ushered in a new chapter beginning in 1999. Eight hectares of vines were added in 2012, and a state-of-the-art cellar soon followed. Under the guidance of renowned oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, the vineyard was meticulously mapped to isolate distinct terroirs. A 15-year replanting plan, raised canopies for optimal ripening, and careful green harvesting practices have elevated the estate’s precision and expression. The result is a property that not only honors its history but produces wines that are now among the elite of Margaux.
| | | The vineyard’s gravel soils, sculpted over millennia by glacial floods, are classic Margaux—perfectly drained, warm, and reflective, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. Yet, the estate’s relatively high Merlot component (similar to Château Palmer) is no accident; the Margaux plateau’s pockets of clay allow this variety to contribute plushness and perfume, while Petit Verdot planted on deep gravel adds its trademark spice and structure.
The 2020 vintage is another triumph for Prieuré-Lichine. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine was fermented in concrete tulip-shaped vats and aged 16 months in French oak, 50% new. The result is the perfect bridge between classicism and modern polish.
From James Suckling, “Black cherries, blackcurrants, tobacco, cacao and some licorice on the nose. Firm yet creamy, with very fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium to full body. So long and beautifully balanced. Try from 2026. 96 Points!”
From Jane Anson, “Totally delicious, just bursting with flavour, with silky tannins and purity to the raspberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant fruits, cloves and black pepper spices add clear depth through the mid palate. It's not often that I prefer a 2020 to the 2019 in Margaux but this is a standout in the lineup. 2020 had natural low yields - 34hl/h yield overall, 32hl/h for the first wine, 40% new oak, being bottled at the time of tasting for delivery in September, so this is a barrel sample but only just. Stephane Derencourt consultant, harvest September 14 to October 1. 95 Points!”
With two decades of reinvestment, sustainable farming, and precision winemaking, Château Prieuré-Lichine has firmly reestablished itself among the stars of Margaux. And yet, despite its heritage, technical brilliance, and critical praise, it’s still priced like a lower-tier Napa Cabernet (sorry, Napa).
Packed in original 6-pack wooden cases, the 2020 Prieuré-Lichine captures everything that makes Margaux magical...perfume, polish, and poise. This is a true sleeper of the vintage and one of the smartest Bordeaux you'll see this year. You know what to do.
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