Bordeaux-themed
Timed Online Auction, 7 - 21 October 2024
Bordeaux | International
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
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.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Alongside its next-door neighbour, Latour, this, to me, is the wine of the vintage in the Medoc. It is an incredibly consistent performer and always an unlikely crowd pleaser, still loaded with sweet cherry red fruit. It’s more elegant in style than other vintages although you feel the sunshine in the wine which gives it weight. Archetypal Pauillac in character: cedar, cigar box leading to a wonderful finish. I adore how charming this wine is without being overbearing. At its peak now but will certainly hang on for a while.’ – Gareth Birchley, Decanter.com, 94/100 (Feb 2023)
‘I must confess that I was shocked how well it showed, far surpassing the example shown at a vertical a few months earlier. This has a lovely bouquet of black fruit, autumn leaves, cedar and bay leaf, clearly bestowed with more vigor than previous bottles. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, leather and sage-infused fruit, like before. A melted finish indicates that this '81 will never get better. But it is delicious and in no way embarrassed by the 1982.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 90/100 (Sep 2019)
‘This has always been one of the sexiest, most delicious wines from the 1981 vintage. It still possesses a dark ruby/purple color. While the 1981 is less powerful than the 1982 and 1983, it reveals copious quantities of sweet black currant fruit, good flesh for the vintage, and a pure, nicely-textured and balanced style. This wine remains vibrant and youthful. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002’ – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Jan 1998)
‘Harmonious and delicious. Entices with aromas of spice and fruit. Medium in body, with medium, velvety tannins and a tobacco, berry aftertaste. Drink now.’ – Wine Spectator (Nov 1997)
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