Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 16 - 23 November 2020
Wine
About this Item
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one of the most significant second growths in Pauillac, Bordeaux. It neighbors first-growth powerhouse, Château Latour, with whom the estate shares a similar terroir and climate. This helps to explain the quality of the wine at Comtesse de Lalande, which is sometimes referred to as "nearly first growth". Originally, Comtesse de Lalande was part of a huge property formally known as Château Pichon Longueville, owned by the Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville who died in 1850. Upon his death, his children Raoul and Virginie inherited half of the property each. Raoul's half became Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, while Virginie's became Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The Château de Lalande was eventually sold to Champagne Louis Roederer in 2007. The estate vineyards are planted with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot. The vines are grown in deep gravel soils with clay, sandstone and limestone layers. The wine is fermented in stainless steel before being matured in oak barriques (50% new) for 18 months.
‘Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is arguably the single hottest château on Bordeaux’s Left Bank right now.’ (ANTONIO GALLONI | OCTOBER 20, 2017). This incredible ex-chateaux collection offers contrasting vintages; the stellar 2005, 2009 and 2010, under-rated 2002 and 2006 and extreme 2003. All 6 vintages are still youthful and typically Pichon Lalande, all with the ability to keep for a decade and more.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
2002
‘One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Apr 2005)
2003
‘Made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this spectacular 2003 hits all the sweet spots on the palate. A glorious bouquet of cedarwood, jammy black currants, cherries, licorice and truffle is followed by a dense, opulently textured, full-bodied wine with terrific purity and freshness as well as deep, velvety textured tannins. Enjoy this beauty over the next 10-12 years.’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Aug 2014)
2005
‘This needs time in the glass, but unfurls to reveal cedar, cinnamon, tobacco, cassis and rose notes. It's heady and confident stuff that I've tasted several times over the past few months and have been hugely impressed by, especially with food. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Drinking Window 2018 - 2040.’ – Jane Anson, Decanter, 96/100 (Jan 2016)
2006
‘One of the most pleasant and unexpected surprises in this tasting, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is gorgeous, which is something I can’t say about too many wines in a vintage marked by climatic ups and downs and irregular ripening. Dark, powerful and intense, the 2006 possesses exceptional balance. A host of black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and menthol flesh out in this decidedly somber, virile Pichon Lalande. In a vintage in which so many wines are so rustic, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is all class. This sleeper Pichon Lalande will drink well for at least the next two decades, perhaps longer. Drink 2017 - 2037.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95/100 (Oct 2017)
2009
‘Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a little reticent to begin, slowly giving way to notions of warm black cherries, blackcurrant cordial, stewed plums and sautéed herbs with hints of damp soil, tobacco and beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with tightly wound black fruit and earthy layers, framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness making for a long, lively finish. Classic! Drink 2020 - 2053.’ – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 97+/100 (Mar 2019)
2010
‘The 2010 Pichon-Lalande is again, very deep in colour. It has a compact nose that demands aeration, opening up with blackberry, raspberry coulis, graphite and light iris aromas, all well defined but implying that it has more to give in the future. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a little peppery in style with a smooth and harmonious, more Saint-Julien like finish. It is an extremely charming and drinkable Pauillac though and it has the substance to age for many years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Drink 2023 - 2050.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Apr 2020)
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