Château Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, 2ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2023
This is yet another quintessential Pichon Comtesse from Nicolas Glumineau. As usual, this is detailed, fragrant and impeccably formed. Noble aromas of sandalwood, violets and creme de cassis emerge from the glass. The palate is rippling with tension and tannic grip; this is clearly a Grand Vin packed with dark, brooding fruit. Pixelated tannins provide a flourishing finishing that haunts the palate. Clearly a gloriously composed, complete Pichon Comtesse, which is both muscular and taut and also rather serene and flowing. Serious stuff.
critic reviews
We are slap bang in the middle of one of the great eras of Pichon Comtesse, and once again this vintage shows why. So much character, finesse, balance and grip, this is classy, powerful, concentrated but effortless, precise and sculpted blackcurrant, damson, crushed roses, graphite. 14.7% press wine, 60% new oak, in conversion to organics, certification expected in 2026. Nicolas Glumineau director. Tasted twice.
The 2023 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a classic aromatic profile for the Pauillac estate, with plenty of blackberry and blueberry fruit, just a hint of white flowers and pencil box. Open and welcoming, even at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that lend this Pauillac a malleable and very seductive mouthfeel. Finely judged acidity, very harmonious, with veins of graphite running through the finish and a cedar-tinged aftertaste. Utterly delightful.
The 2023 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly emerges from the glass with compelling restraint, offering glimpses at scents of cassis, kirsch, and fresh blackberries followed by nuances of violets, graphite, and cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound and energetic, with a firm frame of grainy tannins and beautifully knit freshness, finishing long and earthy. This is a classic. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc.
The 2023 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a brilliant wine that will be worth a special effort to track down. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries and cassis mingled with licorice, lilac, iris root, violet, burning embers and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with a deep, layered core of cool fruit that largely conceals it's ultra-refined structuring tannins. At a very measured 13% alcohol and 3.67 pH, it unites all Pichon Comtesse's sensuality with unimpeachable Pauillac classicism. The 2023 is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.