critic reviews
A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2000 Pichon Lalande is deep garnet-brick in color. It rolls out of the glass with easy-breezy scents of potpourri, dried cherries, fruit cake, and star anise, with wafts of sandalwood and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is in a sweet-spot with loads of intermingled dried berries, floral, and exotic spice notes framed by soft, powdery tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
I am loving the 2000 vintage in Pauillac at the moment, as it has finally, finally started to soften and open up. This is an excellent example of what you will find if you open the top Pauillacs from this vintage right now; blackberry, cassis, spiced cedar and liqourice notes that you expect from the appellation, with tannins that are still burly and ever-present but are now allowing the fruit to make it through. Touches of cigarbox and tobacco also show that things are starting to really soften up. Stubborn for years and it's still a fairly severe tone overall, not the most generous of profiles, but this is excellent and classic Pauillac. 50% new oak. Harvest September 21 to October 9.
The 2000 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a strong minty bouquet that perhaps slightly overwhelms the terroir expression. I believe this comes from a high proportion of Petit Verdot (14%) that would have probably been eschewed nowadays. The palate is medium-bodied with intense black plummy fruit mixed with graphite and sage. This is a muscular though enjoyable Pichon, dense and almost brawny toward the finish, but what is missing is a sense of elegance and precision. Just a touch of greenness shows on the finish (in a positive way). A forceful Pauillac that will benefit from decanting.