A renaissance has been taking place at Prieure-Lichine since esteemed winemaking guru Stephane Derenoncourt was brought in to oversee the wines’ vinification and upbringing. This is a complicated, morsellated vineyard that is neither easy to harvest nor manage, but the 2001 is an elegant blend of 49% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. It was aged primarily on its lees, given micro-bullage while in tank, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Like many wines of this appellation, it is a pretty, delicate effort revealing a dark ruby color along with floral, red currant, cranberry, and black fruit characteristics, a medium-bodied texture, good density, and an early-drinking style. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Smoke, berry and almost grilled meat aromas follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a slightly austere finish. Best after 2008.

Lush, blackberry nose, gamey. Rich, plump, concentrated and tannic, dense, yet not too extracted, solid and assertive, lacks elegance but imposing, weighty and long.

While the latter years of Lichine family ownership saw a decline in the quality of this estate, new owners have brought about a remarkable renaissance. This 2001 is rich and confident, with layers of wood that balance well with blackberry and currant jelly fruits. This is developing into a serious, impressive wine.