Chateau Prieure Lichine 2009

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The soft, sexy 2009 exhibits a dense plum/purple color along with a big, sweet bouquet of raspberries, black cherries, black currants, smoke and forest floor. Opulent and round with an attractive viscosity as well as outstanding purity, depth and length, it should drink well for two decades. While not one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, it is among the most precocious, flattering and charming at present."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Muscular and dense with a velvety and layered mouthfeel. Full-bodied, round and beautiful. Juicy. Currant and chocolate. Drink now."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Soft, round, polished and open, the licorice, flowers, smoke, plum and cherry tones are there from start, and keep on going. Drink this now for its up-front pleasure, or age it for more complexity."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Offers a core of blackberry and roasted plum in reserve, while slightly taut singed cedar, vanilla bean and espresso notes lead the way for now. Yet this leans on the toast rather than purity, with a cocoa note framing the finish. Should hang well enough in the cellar. Best from 2013 through 2021. 11,250 cases made."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This is a delicate wine with a very Margaux feel. The delicious red berry fruits and light layers of tannin are in balance, suggesting a wine that will age relatively quickly, and is already drinkable now. "