Château Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, 2ème Cru Classé, Pauillac,

Pichon Lalande 1995 has a deep garnet-brick color. It comes bounding out with ready-to-go notes of prunes, fruitcake, and blueberry compote, followed by suggestions of Indian spices, sandalwood, and espresso. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with flamboyant, expressive black fruit preserves and exotic spice flavors, supported by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with impressive length. At its peak right now, this vintage has another 10-12 years of cellaring potential.

Deep red-ruby color. Currant, loam, tobacco and smoky oak on the nose. Silky, sweet and tender in the middle palate; leather, game and chocolate notes add complexity to the wine strong currant component. Showing slightly less harmoniously than the '96, perhaps due to the bottling, but this thoroughly seductive wine has all the components for future greatness.