critic reviews
The 2004 Pichon Lalande has a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot and is deep garnet-brick in color. It needs a little coaxing to bring out vague notions of plum preserves, dried blackberries, and mocha, with hints of tapenade, sauteed herbs, and charcuterie. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively and refreshing with plenty of savory layers and a chewy texture, finishing earthy. Not a bad vintage, but, at its peak now, it's not going to rock anyone's world.
The 2004 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rich dark berry fruit, cigar wrapper and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with velvety tannins and a seamless, charming profile, it is really beginning to drink with some style. It's one of the wines of the vintage and continues to represent terrific value.
In the same frame as the 2002 in that it is classic, with firm tannins, big shoulders, and Pauillac bite, but this is bigger and more enjoyable in every way, more of a crowd pleaser, and a beautifully velvety texure. Cassis, cocoa baen, liquorice root, bilberry, crushed stones, essence of its appellation. An abundant year also, with high yields (clocking in at over 60hl/h). Plenty of intensity through the mid palate. Not as seductive as some vintages of Comtesse, but easily one of the wines of this vintage and it's beginning to be ready to drink at this point. Gildas d'Ornon director at the time.
Ruby-red color. Dark plum, graphite, minerals and mint on the nose. Offers a subtle sweetness leavened by lively acidity and nicely framed by a firm tannic spine. A wine of modest flesh but considerable suavity. Very well balanced and persistent, with the mineral notes repeating on the back. Very Pauillac.