Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux, France
Reserve de la Comtesse is the second wine of the second growth Grand Cru Classe producer Pichon Baron Comtesse de Lalande. One of the original Second Growth estates in the classification of 1855, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (or sometimes just shorted to Château Pichon or Château Comtesse) is now owned by the same family that owns Roederer Champagne. The 75 hectares (185 acres) of this vineyard border the property of Château Latour and stretch south of Pauillac towards the Commune of Saint Julien.
Relying on the best of traditional and modern methods, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande built new winemaking facilities in 2013. For this wine, vinification happens entirely in large stainless steel vats, then after fermentation aging takes place in both new and old French oak for 12 months. This resulting wine epitomises the remarkable precision and balance of Pauillac with a silky tannic structure and an expressive aromatic complexity. Ripe black fruits, violets, cedar, tobacco and delicate spices dance on the nose and palate making this wine a perfect match for lamb, roast meats, chocolate and truffle. Best served at room temperature.
94 Points, James Suckling, Feb. 2019, 'The stunning, ripe dark berries and plums on the nose are attractively dressed and deliver a wealth of assertively rich and juicy dark-fruit flavors on the palate, in balanced and elegant yet powerful style. The best Réserve de la Comtesse for some time. Second wine of Château Pichon-Lalande.