Wine: Chateau Prieure-Lichine Grape: Cabernet sauvignon (54 per cent), merlot (38 per cent), petit verdot (six per cent), cabernet franc (two per cent) Region: Margaux, Bordeaux Vintage: 1990, 1988, 1982, 1975 and 1970 Sacha Lichine, owner of Chateau Prieure-Lichine in Margaux, was in Hong Kong recently to tutor a tasting of his wines from some of the best recent years including 1990, 1988, 1982, 1975 and 1970.
Most of the wines were in oversized bottles and were sent direct from the chateau.
For Mr Lichine, winegrowers should be guided by two main principles: Traditional methods are still the best way to manage a vineyard. However, the major innovations in viticulture and winemaking over the past few decades can facilitate or improve these methods. An eclectic approach with an emphasis on tradition is the best answer.
Work in the vineyard and in the cellar should be aimed at bringing out the fullest expression of the terroir (a French word best translated as 'soil plus microclimate'). The most important factor other than terroir is vintage character.
Tasting the wine in imperials, equivalent to eight bottles, and double magnums, equivalent to four bottles, is always desirable as the wine ages slower and consequently tastes fresher. All the vintages were excellent and show how well Chateau Prieure-Lichine can age. Good value for money.
Where To Buy: Most of these vintages are not readily available, but can be found occasionally on wine lists in top restaurants.