New Release: 2022 Pichon Lalande, Potential Perfect Pauillac

A gorgeous new release from Bordeaux today, the 2022 vintage of Pauillac’s second growth, Chateau Pichon Lalande. A superstar in recent years and one of the most in-demand of classed growths, this is a key buy from the campaign and has amassed immense scores from the critics.  

With its beautiful Chateau and wonderful terroir that nestles up against the vineyards of the First Growth Chateau Latour, Pichon Lalande is always high on the wish lists of collectors. It has been on a terrific run of form, with a series of wonderfully elegant and pure releases wowing critics, merchants and buyers alike. 

The 2022 is stunning. For Jeb Dunnuck, “another legendary wine from this château” that warrants a 97-100 point score. Also seeing potential perfection is Lisa Perrotti-Brown who gives it 98-100 point. Not far behind are Antonio Galloni, William Kelley and James Suckling, all of whom give it potential high scores of a stellar 99 points. 

Details are below, do take a look and let me know if you would like any secured: 

2022 Chateau Pichon Lalande

£1,032 per case (6*75cl) in bond 

£1,038 per case mags (3*150cl) in bond 

SGD $1,830 ($1,976.40 inc GST) per case (6*75cl OWC)

SGD $1,840 ($1,987.20 inc GST) per case mags (3*150cl OWC)

A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is deep garnet-purple in color. After a little coaxing, aromas of blackcurrant jelly, juicy plums, and wild blueberries waltz out of the glass, followed by nuances of red roses, damp soil, tar, and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound, with impressive tension created by mineral-laced, crunchy black fruit layers, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory. pH 3.8.

98-100 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown

One of the gems from Pauillac is unquestionably the 2022 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande, which is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A hypothetical blend of the 2019 and 2020, it’s a full-bodied, concentrated, opulent Comtesse offering beautiful blue fruits, some chocolate, leafy herbs, and undeniable minerality, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. Despite the higher Cabernet Sauvignon component, this stays silky, expansive, and incredibly sexy. It’s going to be drinkable with just 4-5 years of bottle age but should have a lengthy drink window. Hats off to director Nicolas Glumineau for another legendary wine from this château.

97-100 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one wine where a comparison with this estate’s magical 1982 doesn’t appear to be far-fetched. Wafting from the glass with deep aromas of cassis, plums, violets, rose petals, tobacco leaf and pencil shavings, it’s full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with a layered, seamless core of fruit that largely conceals its chassis of powdery structuring tannin. Concluding with a long, expansive and beautifully perfumed finish, it’s a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that has the potential to equal or even surpass the 2019 and 2016 vintages at this address. It checks in at a very classical 13.6% alcohol and a rather high pH of 3.80.

97-99 points William Kelley

The 2022 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is magnificent. In recent years, Estate Director Nicolas Glumineau has pushed Pichon Comtesse to the limit. Maybe even a bit too far. But the 2022 is in the end a super-classic wine that emphasizes mid-weight structure, aromatic presence and persistence more than size. Sweet floral, savory and mineral accents run through a core of ripe, racy red-toned fruit. All the elements are so well balanced. Tasted four times.

96-99 points Antonio Galloni

I love the aromatics here with botanicals as well as currants, blackberries and oranges. Full-bodied with incredible tannins that build on the palate with finesse and focus. Featherlight but always there. Stealth in structure. Very vertical. Savory. Superb. 78% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 5% cabernet franc.

98-99 points James Suckling

*Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in 2024/2025