"96 Pts Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate: "Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. A modern day classic? I think so, here, the wine transcending the potential it showed in barrel. The Pichon-Lalande has a fragrant, unassuming bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry and black plum. Well integrated oak here, with subtle cedar and graphite scents developing with time. Good definition. The palate has vibrant, animated entry with fiery red-berried fruits, superb acidity and wonderful harmony, cashmere tannins caressing the mouth. It lingers for an extraordinary amount of time on the back palate with real structure and focus. Hints of black pepper sprinkled on the aftertaste. Brilliant. Drink 2013-2040. Tasted October 2010.""
The Pichon Longueville estate goes back to 1688-1689. In 1850, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Countess de Lalande, and her two sisters inherited 3/5ths of the vineyard from their father. This took on the name of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1978, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe, in turn inherited this beautiful property and devoted herself entirely to continuing the tradition of quality wine. Just two families have been responsible for maintaining this wine's superb reputation for three centuries. Bordering on Château Latour, second growth Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is located in the southern part of Pauillac, near Saint-Julien. The unusual choice of grape varieties (there is a much higher percentage of Merlot than average), is a partial explanation for this wine's outstanding personality, marked by elegance, balance and finesse. Traditional methods and modern technology combine to make the most of the estate's prestigious soil. In January 2007, Louis Roederer Champagne acquired this great growth. ©ugcb