Area under vines: 89 hectares
Soils: gravel and clay
Production: 170,000 bottles a year
Ageing: in 50% new oak barrels for 18-22 months
Grape varieties:
Second wine: La Reserve de la Comtesse
Learn more about Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
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The 2008 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has an expressive, open bouquet that is more forward than I would have expected (indeed, there was more degradation on the rim than you would expect.) The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit laced with cedar and sea salt. I like the harmony and the fleshiness imparted by the Merlot towards the finish, although I expect Pichon Baron represents the longer-term prospect. This is more enjoyable than cerebral. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035
Looks older than the Reserve de la Comtesse 2008! Presumably because of the high percentage of Merlot. Exotic but a bit heady and sweet. It seems to be losing power. Moving towards slight skinniness. But long.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Pichon Lalande 2008 is backward on the nose: tightly coiled blackberry, raspberry, cedar and mint: classic Pauillac fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well knit, a little softer and more forward but very composed with a pure, velvety finish. This is a beautiful, filigree Pauillac that should repay extended cellaring. Tasted January 2012.
