Medium ruby/plum-hued, the 2017 Chateau Prieure-Lichine is a charming, delicious effort loaded with red and black currants, toasted spice, and dried herb-like aromas and flavors as well as maybe a hint of chocolate. Textured, medium-bodied, and balanced, it's already approachable yet will keep for over a decade. The blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot, aged in 50% new oak.

The 2017 Prieuré-Lichine has a light, slightly earthy bouquet that is endowed with less fruit than some of its peers. There is just a touch of greenness here, though not to a degree that bothers me. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, a crisp line of acidity and a pretty, quite harmonious finish. It actually finishes with more panache than I expected though it does require more length.

Medium to deep garnet-purple color, the 2017 Prieure-Lichine is composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. It rocks up with expressive blackcurrant cordial, stewed plums and boysenberries scents plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of chewy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing on a stewed tea note.