This wine shows the generous richness of the vintage while restraining it with fine tannins and pure black-currant acidity. The structure and fruits promise long-term aging. Drink this wine from 2027.

The 2018 Prieuré-Lichine is a gorgeous, elegant wine. Strong Cabernet aromatics give the 2018 striking savory notes to play off the natural radiance of the year. Plush and sensual, with no hard edges and terrific balance, the 2018 hits all the right notes. Dried herbs, rose petal, cedar, tobacco and mint linger on the finely cut, persistent finish. This is an especially understated wine for the year.

The 2018 Château Prieure-Lichine is terrific and certainly a step up over past vintages. Pure black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and cedarwood notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, elegant and nicely focused on the palate, with a solid sense of freshness and purity. With moderate tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length, it's a beautiful wine. It already offers pleasure with a decant yet should hit prime time in 4-5 years and keep for 15-20 years. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, brought up in 45% new French oak.

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.