Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply called Pichon Lalande, is one of the most celebrated Second Growths of Bordeaux, classified in 1855. Located in Pauillac, but its vineyards also extend into neighboring Saint-Julien, which contributes to the estate’s distinctive, softer, and more refined style. Known for its elegance and higher proportion of Merlot in its blends, Pichon Lalande is often described as more charming and approachable in its youth compared to its counterpart, Château Pichon Longueville Baron, which is more structured and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant. In recent history, its fame got sealed when it received 100 Points in 1982 from Robert Parker. After that there road was more choppy with some hits and misses.
After its acquisition by the Champagne Louis Roederer group in 2007, Pichon Lalande underwent significant improvements, including replanting diseased vines and constructing a modern winery equipped for precise vinification. Nicolas Glumineau, formerly of Château Montrose, now oversees winemaking, focusing on enhancing the estate’s terroir expression while maintaining its hallmark velvety style. Nicolas hosted this dinner in Singapore, which I attended. The hallmark of this wine, the elegance and exceptional drinkability – Pichon-Lalande is never heavy, never tires your palate and makes you craving for more – were confirmed this evening. Aromatics are also deep with cedar wood, spices and barnyard notes. 1986 was too tannic, a mistake they made, and, as it seems it was repeated in 2005 (to be followed up with more bottle age). All other wines were outstanding with the 1995 the WOTN. All wines were served decanted.
Tasting Notes
2005 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 90 Points
Dark garnet. Relatively closed nose of chocolate, dark fruit. The palate is rather tight and tannic, not revealing much, at least the tannins are not drying. Not much aroma either. It looks like this was over extracted, reminds me of the 1986 vintage which is full of wines as well that die before the can shed all the tannins. Well, open this again in 2020 for a final judgement. 89-92?
1996 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 97 Points
Medium garnet with brick rim. Intense nose of earth, red fruits, smoke, barnyard, very Medoc and very complex. On the palate this is soft and elegant with extraordinary balance, elegance and drinkability, wow! On the peak now but can still age. This was the benchmark wine of the night.
1989 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 95 Points
From Magnum. Medium-dark garnet. Nose of dark and red fruit with cigar box, spices and earth. Medium bodied palate with great balance and complexity. This is a bit lighter and preciser than the 86, also a bit more sappy. A very good Pauillac.
1986 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 90 Points
From Magnum. Medium-dark garnet. Nose of dark fruit with earthy tones, masculine Medoc. On the palate this is still quite closed like so many 1986 (and will probably never turn around) where they just overdid it withe the tannins. It is not bad now if you are used to Bordeaux but it would be exaggerated to say that they struck the right balance here between fruit and structure. Make sure you drink this with a steak.
1985 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 93 Points
Medium-light garnet. Expressive nose with a noticeable barnyard/brett tone to it, for me a bit too much vs. the other aromas, but very popular at our table. Very soft and elegant palate providing excellent drinkability with food. Fully mature, will not get better, so drink up.
Encore Wines
1989 Château Guiraud, 94 Points
Bernstein hue yellow. Expressive nose of apricot, lots of saffron, oyster and seaside aromas, very nice and complex. On the palate this is not only sweet but has great acidity and structure to make it a great companion to food as well.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
November 2013