An exceptional vintage, higher in fresh acidities that the 2009 but no drop in generosity, accentuating the juice running through the rich black fruits. Plenty of tannic grip, with tobacco, cigar box, spice and smoked earth. Uncurls and deepens after an hour in the glass. You will find 2010 classified Bordeaux wines that are more closed than this, and in fact this Prieuré is relatively similar in profile to the 2009, more so than at many estates where the 2010 is far more severe - something that makes this a great choice for drinking now and over the next decade without worrying that you are missing out on its best moments. 37hl/h yield, 50% new oak, harvest September 30 to October 20. Stephane Derenoncourt consultant.

The former home of Alexis Lichine is now owned by a Pacific-based French mining company. The low yields of the 2010 (the vineyard was hit by hail) have produced a smooth and rich style of wine, which is weighty while also showing fine acidity on the finish. This has definite aging potential.

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot raised in 50% new oak the Prieure-Lichine has intense blackberry burnt toast and sous-bois on the nose tobacco developing with time. The palate is better than the nose suggests with fine edgy tannins a little hardness that will soften during elevage cedar-infused broody black fruit towards the tannic finish. Very masculine like many Margaux wine but very well made.

Dense purple, with loads of blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as hints of smoke and subtle charred wood, this wine is expansive, round, generous, lush and multi-dimensional. This beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. - Robert Parker

The great Alexis Lichine was one of Spurrier’s first wine trade heroes, who he had the good fortune to encounter quite early in his career. Although Lichine passed away in 1989, this 2010 is a fine example of what the Margaux fourth growth can achieve. The blend is two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Merlot, but the former clearly dominates at this stage. There's plenty of cassis fragrance, as befits Margaux. It has a deep colour with lots of substance without being overdone, showing good balance, attack and length. At nearly nine years of age it's still very primary, with sweet blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, fine, firm-ish tannins and a whiff of cigar. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-prieure-lichine-margaux-4eme-cru-classe-2010-24253#BhBBHcMyu80rQuVR.99

Takes a dense, slightly chunky approach, with bittersweet cocoa and espresso up front followed by a core of dark currant, plum sauce and anise. Features charcoal-laden grip on the finish, showing ample stuffing and polished fruit. Should settle in once the modern toast treatment gets soaked up. Best from 2014 through 2024. –JM