The 2016 has all the ingredients for the long haul. The colour is dark to the rim, the nose restrained but serious and intense, the palate structured and harmonious (despite the alcohol). There's a huge charge of very fine tannin which allows the wine to build providing length and persistence. It's an impressive offering which successfully combines power and finesse. The 'flagship' wine.

Attractive red plums and roasting herbs with a stony and quite grainy edge. The palate has a punchy and grainy core of rich, dense tannins. Assertive, clear-cut finish. A blend of 80 per cent merlot and 20 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2022.

Silky, vibrant, fresh and showing a beautiful assemblage of flowers, cherries, rocks and licorice, the wine is sweet, pure and lively. For the time being, this is still a hidden gem, I suspect that will change with time. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Chateau%20Le%20Prieure