CHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE 'Comtesse de Lalande' 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2021 Bottle 13%abv MV*

Description

MV* = Market Value - No Further Discount Possible

Blend : 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc , 2% Merlot.
Yield : 15hl/l
PH : 3,8
Ageing : 18 months, 60% new oak, long medium heat
Abv : 13%

DECANTER Score 96
Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
Part of Bordeaux 2021 wines: Our en primeur verdict
"Cocoa powder, iris notes, pink roses and black fruits - so fragrant - you just want to smell the wines in 2021 for hours. This is a seriously impressive Comtesse and stands out as one of my favourite wines of the vintage with real promise. Power and depth from the get go, tannins are massy, softly fleshy but also provide support and structure, giving layers to the fruit and savoury elements that combine clove, cedar, cola, vanilla and cinnamon with teeth-coating liquorice and graphite too - the soft salinity entering towards the finish. It's concentrated and serious with a tightly knitted core, a consequence of the tiny yields and strict selection as well as the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend since 2013. I love the terroir signature on show in the glass as well as an overall sense of retaining elegance and finesse. A top buy for me! 3.76pH, 75IPT. 18-19 months ageing. Tasted twice. Drinking Window 2027 - 2045."

THE WINE ADVOCATE Rating (94 - 95)+
Reviewed by William Kelley
Issue Date 29th Apr 2022
Source Issue 260 End of April 2022, The Wine Advocate
"This estate is one of the most dynamic in contemporary Bordeaux, so it's no surprise that the 2021 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a terrific wine—though its a very atypical blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, cropped at a derisory 15 hectoliters per hectare, hints at what a challenging year this was in the vineyards. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries, blackcurrants, iris, licorice, black truffles, cigar wrapper and sweet soil tones, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a supple but serious profile. It will see 60% new oak and, in all likelihood, a classical élevage of fully 18 months."

JAMES SUCKLING Score 94-95
"This is really spicy with peppercorns, cloves and Chinese spices, especially on the finish. Blackcurrants, too. Medium-bodied, firm and polished with a long, intense finish. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 2% merlot."

JANCIS ROBINSON Score 17
Drink 2028 - 2042
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot. Cask sample.
"Characteristic elegance but the Pauillac character still evident. Fragrant nose with dark-fruit and floral notes and just a hint of chocolate. Persistent fruit through the mid palate with finely edged tannins. Well structured with good energy and drive, the finish persistent. Balanced and harmonious."