2017 Château Prieuré-Lichine Magnum 1.5L Margaux - Bordeaux Red PC08

Alexis Lichine was a Russian-born wine writer, salesman, and producer who played an important part in the expansion of the wine market in the United States. In the 1930s, he was hired by Frank Schoonmaker and together, they promoted the selling of Californian wines by varietal.  

After World War 2, Alexis Lichine left Frank Schoonmaker’s company and begin to both import and export wine.  It was in 1951 that he both published his first book Wines of France and purchased Chateau Le Prieuré in the commune of Cantenac in Bordeaux.

Grape varieties: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Deep ruby in appearance, with a flush of garnet near the edge. Intense, full aromas of fresh coffee beans, wet earth, white- and red-flower petals, and ripe, just-picked black cherries leap out with a quick swirl.

It’s full-bodied and backed by firm, ripe tannins paired with juicy acidity, flavors of freshly chipped graphite, red strawberry, vanilla crème brûlée, cedar chest, and thyme.

A long, delicate finish develops into notes of dried fruit and exotic spices. This wine has much left to say and would do well for another decade or two of bottle aging.