2018 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 6x75cl

JancisRobinson.com 17.5

Tasted blind. Richly nuanced deep crimson. Light nose but the suggestion that there is a lot there. Gentle and subtle with a glorious combination of ripe fruit and ripe tannin with freshness. Much less chewy than many others and already approachable, which perhaps forfeits half a point. But a lovely wine for now. [20/01/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2045

Antonio Galloni 97+

The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande dazzles from the very first taste. A heady concoction of inky dark fruit, graphite, new leather, licorice, lavender, spice and grilled herbs soars out of the glass. The 2018 is rich and expansive yet retains a super-classic vertical feel. Plush, silky tannins add to its immeasurable pedigree. I would cellar the 2018 for a decade or so, if patience permits. It’s a stellar wine in the making. [Antonio Galloni, 29/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2058

Wine Advocate 97

The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol. The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums, ripe blackcurrants and wild blueberries, followed by hints of cedar chest, pencil lead, bouquet garni and charcuterie, plus a waft of lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully crafted with its seamless freshness and firm, grainy tannins supporting the compelling, finely knit black fruits and savory nuances, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. This will need a good 5 years to come around and should easily cellar for another 30 years or more. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 24/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2056

Neal Martin 97

The 2018 Pichon-Lalande was given an hour s decant and then observed over the next 24 hours. It has clearly retained the showstopping nose that I encountered from barrel, those same gentle waves" of black cherries and blueberry, incense and violets lending it a Margaux-like allure. The palate is vibrant and full of tension from the start, the acidity slicing through the layers of quite plush black fruit, judiciously laced with tobacco and mint. There is a beguiling sense of harmony conveyed by this Pichon-Lalande and although there is clearly plenty of structure, the tannins are so pixelated and pliant that it might well be broachable in 4-5 years time. Personally, however, I would prefer to cellar it for 8-10 years (by which time I hope that the new Cure album is finally released). However long you decide to keep it tucked away, this is a quite brilliant Pauillac. [Neal Martin, 08/03/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2055

vinum 95-97

Fruit is sweet and red but there’s also a really appealing savoury / earthy note. Almost like umami. A nori seaweed type note on the mid-palate. Intriguing. Very fine and elegant. Classy. [Matthew Hemming, 01/03/2019]