2003 Château Prieuré-Lichine

Mid crimson. Rather sweaty nose. Then mellow and well balanced. Not complex but perfectly competent. Hint of cumin. (Average group score: 15.2) (JR)

Good medium red. Enticing aromas of red cherry, raspberry, mocha and toasty, charred oak. Suave and silky in the mouth, with the added fullness of the year but also healthy balancing acidity. Not hugely intense but supple and satisfying. Finishes with ripe, dusty tannins and good length. Already an attractive drink but should develop nicely over the next decade or more.

Prieure-Lichine has turned things around over recent vintages and is now producing its finest wines since the late 1960s and early 1970s when the late Alexis Lichine was in control. The respected winemaking consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt, is partly responsible for the return to high quality at this estate. Already drinking well, the dark ruby/plum/purple-tinged 2003 reveals an evolved, fragrant perfume of melted licorice, spice box, cedar, black cherries, and currants. With marvelous fruit, medium to full body, low acidity, and abundant glycerin, this seductive, lush claret is hard to resist. Enjoy it over the next 12-14 years.