Tasting Note:
We have tasted some wonderful wines since Nicolas Glumineau took the reins at Pichon Comtesse, however, the 2020 may well be the finest expression we’ve witnessed to date. Topping 2019 was going to be a challenge, however, if anything, this possesses even more refinement and style. Initially this is all brooding and introverted, one senses potential, but it is stubbornly mute. The palate is anything but shy, it is so seductive and seamless, the quality of fruit is just exceptional: deep, dark, complex, mineral infused, spectacularly graceful yet powerful, there’s no sense of heat or weight, one’s palate is treated to an explosion of cashmere textured floral fruit. It is such a joy to taste, but extremely difficult to do justice to with a tasting note… After further aeration, some florality comes through, violets and roses mixing with pure cherry and cassis, one feels the full potential will not be seem for many years… We keep returning to the deep core of fruit and the stunning tannic profile, so detailed and precise, it just oozes quality and refinement, it keeps growing in stature, effortless, wonderful, this clearly has a huge future ahead. Nicolas describes it as “a delicate, almost syrup-like, silky structure”. A spectacular Pichon! 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.
"Softer and silkier than many Pauillacs in the vintage, this is a clear success. Hugely silky and seductive, with grip, power and finesse. One of the best of the appellation, with finessed tobacco, heather and plump blueberry and cassis fruit, expertly managing the low 30hl/ha yield. 60% new oak. Tasted twice." 96/100 - Janes Anson, Decanter.com
"Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande begins on a single, well-defined, wonderfully pure note of ripe blackcurrants, opening out to a melody of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, ripe blackberries and tar, with emerging suggestions of dark chocolate, cardamom, ground cloves and violets, with a waft of black truffles. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and with loads of fantastically nuanced black fruit layers, it has a rock-solid frame of finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The blend this year is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc." 95-97/100 - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW The Wine Advocate