1982 Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux 4ème Grand Cru Classé- 750mL

• Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate: "An exquisite example of the Prieuré-Lichine charm, the 1982 vintage expresses the full potential of the Margaux terroir with grace and intensity. Rated 90 points."

Note: Actual Bottle photographed, note Ullage level.

The land belonging to the Priory in Cantenac, which was founded by the monks from Vertheuil Abbey in the Romanesque period, was used for mixed farming and livestock, with some plots devoted to the production of wines that were already recognized for their quality. It was not until the middle of the 18th century that the entire property was planted with vines. The Priory's wine was ranked at that time as a third growth by the Intendance de Bordeaux in the classification of the parishes of Margaux and Cantenac. After the French Revolution, the property was acquired by Monsieur Durand Delains, a Bordeaux wine merchant. Promoted to a fourth growth in the 1855 Classification, the property then underwent a series of crises with phylloxera and then the crash of 1929. When Alexis Lichine, known as the Wine Pope, purchased it in the early 1950s, the vineyard was in a pitiable state. He devoted himself to restoring the property until his death in 1989. Today, Château Prieuré Lichine is owned by the Ballande group, assisted by consultant oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt.

Not far from Château Margaux, Prieurié-Lichine has plots scattered over the communes of Cantenac, Arsac, Labarde, Soussans and Margaux. It is one of the most spread out domaines in the Médoc. Its terroir consists of gravelly soil and is planted with a high proportion of Merlot. The wines are generally fairly supple and have an excellent capacity to age.

Description: Step back in time with the 1982 Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux, a fourth growth grand cru classé that exemplifies the elegance and complexity of a stellar Margaux vintage. This 750 mL bottle is a treasure for connoisseurs and collectors alike, offering a rare glimpse into a celebrated Bordeaux vintage.

Vintage Quality: 1982 is acclaimed as one of the best vintages of the 20th century in Bordeaux, known for its ideal growing conditions that led to an exceptional crop of ripe, balanced, and profoundly structured grapes. This vintage continues to delight enthusiasts with its vitality and richness.

Tasting Notes: Château Prieuré-Lichine 1982 offers a sophisticated palate of ripe blackcurrant, cherries, and plum, layered with subtle notes of tobacco, cedar wood, and violets. With age, it has developed a silky texture and mellowed tannins that lead to a long, elegant finish. The wine's aromatic complexity and refined balance speak to its noble heritage and superb craftsmanship.

Vinification and Ageing: This wine was meticulously crafted with traditional winemaking techniques typical of the Margaux appellation. Aged in French oak barrels, it has achieved a remarkable level of sophistication and depth, reflecting the high standards of Château Prieuré-Lichine.

Expert Reviews and Ratings:

• Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate: "An exquisite example of the Prieuré-Lichine charm, the 1982 vintage expresses the full potential of the Margaux terroir with grace and intensity. Rated 90 points."

Cellaring Potential: While splendid to enjoy now, this wine promises to evolve and reveal further nuances over the next decade. It represents an excellent investment for those looking to hold it longer.

Why Choose Cellar Link Auctions: At Cellar Link Auctions, we pride ourselves on offering meticulously sourced and carefully stored wines like the 1982 Château Prieuré-Lichine Margaux. Each bottle is kept in climate-controlled conditions to ensure it remains in pristine form, ready for enjoyment or further aging.

Embrace the legacy of Bordeaux with this exquisite vintage, available exclusively at Cellar Link Auctions. The 1982 Château Prieuré-Lichine is not just a bottle of wine; it’s a piece of history, perfect for any serious collector or as a luxurious gift.