2017
75cl
DP
£45.41
vintage
portfolio
2017
75cl
DP
£45.41
2017
12x75cl
DP
£544.86
‘Balance and elegance' are the goals Nicolas Glumineau seeks. This is a typically modest remark from one of Bordeaux's most talented winemakers. Balance and elegance are achieved, as are fragrance, charm, character, finesse and a wonderful fluidity from start to finish. This is how wine should taste! Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the Reserve de la Comtesse is one of the most complete and lovely second wines from Bordeaux. It starts with a classically fragrant Cabernet perfume - notes of tobacco, flowers, blueberry, and griotte. On the palate this is so sleek with crème de cassis, with wild cherries infused with minerals and stones. Everything is supported by these wonderful granular, fruit laced tannins. Like a great novel, this tantalises, keeps you engaged and has a satisfying ending. Bravo!
The Pichon Chateaux stand guard at the entrance to Pauillac from St Julien. These formidable structures on opposite sides of the D2 are two of the most iconic buildings in the Medoc and produce some of the most celebrated wines. Until the early 2000s, Madame de Lencquesaing along with her nephew, Gildas d’Ollone ran this estate with great success. The vineyards, bordering those of Chateau Latour at the south of the commune have produced many outstanding wines; this is classic Pauillac terroir ideally suited to producing great Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2007, Madame de Lencquesaing sold to Monsieur Rouzaud of the Champagne House, Louis Roederer. The appointment of Nicolas Glumineau, formally of another high flying second growth, Chateau Montrose has really transformed the fortunes of property. Nicolas’ Midas touch has resulted in a string of outstanding wines, which retain all the feminine charms of the Comtesse vineyard, whilst adding precision, power and a certain polish. Its presence amongst our favourite wines of the primeur tastings is a given. There are very few chateaux producing wines at this level and with such consistency.
There are currently 89 hectares under vine, 11 of which are actually in St Julien. The dominant varietal is unsurprisingly Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), but slightly unusually for this appellation where Cabernet is King, 35% of the vineyards are planted with Merlot. This is a legacy of the previous owners, the Miailhe brothers. Replanting programs are addressing this balance and over time we will see more Cabernet in both the grand vin and the Pichon Comtesse Reserve.
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