critic reviews
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2002 Pichon Lalande has a deep garnet-brick color. It starts off a little broody with sluggish notes of tar, new leather, and smoked meats, over a stewed plums and Christmas cake core, plus a hint of charcoal. The medium-bodied palate is savory and restrained, with subtle savory flavors and a chewy texture, finishing a little short. Drink up!
The 2002 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a relatively simple nose compared to recent vintages with scents of blackberry, raspberry coulis, soy and leather. Still quite youthful. The palate is medium-bodied, a bit dry and austere with grainy tannins, leather and tobacco mixed with white pepper, though it lacks a bit of freshness on the slightly bitter finish. Tasted at the château.
This has been a stubborn vintage from the beginning, with angularity to the tannins. At 19 years old they are beginning to soften and allow the blackberry and bilberry fruits to show themselves more clearly. There is plenty of Pauillac kick, with evident charcoal and crushed stone notes. Sweet cinammon, tobacco leaf and cedar come in through the mid palate. Good quality but lacking a heart-quickening moment. 3.76ph,