2006 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 12x75cl

Neal Martin 89

The 2006 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, which at the time had the consultancy of Hubert de Bouard of Angelus, has a fragrant, fully mature and well-defined nose of brambly red fruit, undergrowth, mint and light blood orange scents. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a pleasing fleshiness and again, just a dab of eucalyptus on the finish that seems to be a leitmotif of the vintage. The 2006 is perhaps a little rustic compared to the vintages under Nicolas Glumineau. I wonder whether this will gain much from further bottle age. [Neal Martin, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2035

Antonio Galloni 95

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. [Antonio Galloni, 20/10/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037

Wine Advocate 94

Tasted at the property, the 2006 Chateau Pichon-Lalande has a voluminous bouquet with outgoing blackberry, cassis and violets scents, a touch of boysenberry jam tucked just underneath, although it does not quite have the delineation of the Lynch Bages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This feels very composed in the mouth, quite fresh with well-judged acidity, harmonious and tensile on the finish. This deserves a higher score than I awarded out of barrel and it continues to improve year by year. Tasted April 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040

JancisRobinson.com 16.5

Rather sumptuous nose with spice and liquorice but the finish is a little hot and dry. [21/06/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030

Vinous 93

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, dark chocolate, cedar, licorice and mint. Rich, lush and sweet, with noteworthy depth to the flavors of dark fruits, smoke and chocolate. Wonderfully broad and tactile in the middle palate. Finishes with sweet, dusty tannins and sneaky persistence. This fine-grained, stylish and downright sexy wine is clearly more successful than the 2005. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2009]