-
99
/ 100
Neil Martin -
99
/ 100
Jeff Leve -
98
/ 100
Jeb Dunnuck -
98
/ 100
James Suckling
Red
Classification
Merlot Blend
Variety
2020
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion
Region
14.0%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
99 / 100"The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has one of the more opulent aromatic profiles amongst the flight of Pauillac wines, displaying black cherries, cassis, graphite and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a silver bead of acidity. Silky smooth in texture, this retains impressive composure toward the finish, handling the weight of fruit with class. It improves with each swirl, though the bottle I tasted just after bottling had a touch more precision. Nevertheless, this a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting."
- Neil Martin
99 / 100
"Deep, dark and almost opaque in hue, the perfume is intoxicating with its spice box, dark Cuban cigars, violets, lilacs, oak, savory herbs, roasted plums, currants and cigar box aromas. On the palate the wine is pure silk and velvet with layer after layer of supple textured fruits. Silky, sexy and sensuous, there is richness, depth of flavor, length and purity here that is a treat to feel and taste. The wine blends 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, 13.6% ABV 3.82 pH. Picking took place September 9 - September 30. Yields were low, 30 hectoliters per hectare, 60% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin."
- Jeff Leve
98 / 100
"The Grand Vin 2020 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. It has classic Pauillac character in its red, blue, and black fruits as well as graphite, cedar pencil, violet, and flower nuances. Seemingly from a cooler vintage with its purity, vibrancy, and focus, it nevertheless is concentrated and has ripe, gorgeous tannins, a great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. A deep, concentrated, flawlessly balanced 2020 that's built for the long haul, it needs a solid decade of cellaring and will be a 50+-year wine. Of the recent trilogy of 2018, 2019, and 2020, director Nicolas Glumineau has been consistent in preferring the 2020, although I think at this point the nudge goes to the 2019. Regardless, these are all truly singular, magical wines that every reader will be thrilled to have in the cellar. It's a good time to be a Bordeaux lover! Drink: 2031-2073."
- Jeb Dunnuck
98 / 100
"Aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants with some stone and sandalwood undertones. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a fresh and delicious finish. Classy tannins that are fine and textured. Such sophistication. Drink after 2027 and onwards."
- James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is the sister property to Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, formed upon the death of Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville in 1850. The parcel of vines we now know as Pichon Lalande were passed to the Baron’s three daughters, and today is one of the most elegant wines in the Haut Medoc. This elegance should not be confused with being underweight, as the wines have enormous richness and intensity, and age extremely well.
Plantings on the large property include a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
Superb midnight black colour with a deep bright dark red black tinged hue. The nose is a classic expression of Pauillac offering up sublime aromatics of red currant, blueberries and violets with pencilly vanillin cedar, earth, subtle tobacco and delicate spicy dried herb notes lending further complexity. Rich, concentrated and densely fruited yet beautifully refined and poised, the mid weighted palate is layered with gorgeous red to black currant, ripe mulberry and subtle liquorice fruits. Extending through the back half are notions of earth, pencilly vanillin cedar, tobacco, black olive, dried herb and spice characters. Seamlessly integrated graphite like tannins provide the perfect framework. Powers through to a long, elegant finish. Magnificent finesse, class and sophistication.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity