Le Cloitre du Chateau Prieure-Lichine Bordeaux

 

Winery: Le Cloitre du Chateau Prieure-Lichine

Wine: Red Bordeaux Blend 2003

Location: Margaux Appellation, France

Purchased: World Market

Price: $16.79 (Normally 27.99)

 

 

This wine seemed to continually change, but never for the better. It was difficult to get a read on, and with each sip I seemed to taste and smell something different. This particular Bordeaux was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In appearance, the Bordeaux presented a brown, rustic earthy color. It lacked the deep, rich inviting impression of many wines.

 

Then the fun began, on first sniff I thought, “I can’t quite place this.” After taking another deep, long smell into the glass, I came away with leather, earth and soil. Not the most inviting smells for a glass of wine. As for taste, this Bordeaux is a very simple wine not showing the complexity of other wines from the region. I did think it was a little overpowering to sip and drink by itself. The finish left a slight bitterness on the tongue.

 

We paired this wine with grilled steak and sauteed zucchini. As we began eating, the wine gained some complexity, possibly due to the food. Still nothing to brag about. We decided to further chill the wine and decant. After decanting, my husband and I both noticed a slight hint of creaminess in texture. Also, it seemed to loose the bitterness on the finish. “This is a rich and seamless wine with lots of everything going on in the bottle,” said Wine Spectator in reviewing this wine. I’m don’t agree with the rich and seamless aspect, but I definitely agree with the “everything going on in the bottle.”

 

 

The Ballande Group bought Chateau Prieure-Lichine vineyards in June 1999. Since then, this estate has undergone a major transformation in order to enhance the reputation of its wine even further. The winemakers at Chateau Prieure-Lichine are devoted to bringing out the charm, elegance and finesse of the Margaux appellation.