2020 Chateau Le Prieure

Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Sent sailing out of the glass is a mix of ripe red to blackcurrant and liquorice scents which are complimented by violet, vanillin cedar, earth, dried herb and subtle black olive notes. Rich, fleshy blackcurrant and liquorice fruits carry medium to full body weight across the palate with notions of vanillin cedar, dark chocolate, scorched earth, graphite and subtle spicy black olive elements lying underneath. Solidly structured with grainy tannins it finishes long and sturdy with loads of opulent fruit.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Le Prieure is a blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, with 14.3% alcohol. It is aging for an anticipated 16 months in French oak barriques, 35% new. Deep purple-black colored, it needs a little swirling and coaxing to reveal fragrant notes of lilacs, underbrush and sandalwood over a core of Morello cherries and plum preserves, plus a waft of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate has beautiful energy and tension, featuring layers of juicy red and black fruits with a plush texture, finishing long and perfumed. What a stunner!
93-95 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate (May 2021)

The 2020 Le Prieuré is so elegant and nuanced. As always, readers will find a Saint-Émilion built on linear intensity and vibrancy more than size. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. The clean, intensely mineral finish is absolutely striking. This is such a gorgeous wine. Drink 2028-2040.
96 points
Antonio Galloni – Vinous

The 2020 Le Prieuré has a sophisticated and beautifully defined bouquet with perfumed red cherry, crushed strawberry scents, seamlessly integrated oak, and just a background sous-bois aroma. The palate is very well balanced with silky tannins that belie the structure underneath, quite tensile with a judicious splash of black pepper on the finish. One of the finest examples that I have tasted from this diminutive Saint-Émilion. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2027-2050.
95 points
Neal Martin – Vinous

Aromas of ripe dark fruit, crushed walnuts, chocolate and overturned earth. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and meaty. It has firm tannins and a polished texture. Ripe yet fresh with a crunchy fruit character and creamy finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2024.
93 points
JamesSuckling.com