The estate was founded in 1689 by Pierre de Mazure de Rauzan and the vineyard acquired its name a few years later when his daughter Thérèse received it as part of her dowry on her marriage to Jacques de Pichon Longueville, the first President of the Parliament of Bordeaux. It was divided upon the death of Baron Joseph in 1850 between his five children. However, only two of his children finally inherited the vineyards; Raoul and Virginie. Virginie married Count Henri de Lalande, giving her the title, and took over control of the domain. Her passion and the quality of her management made her a strong personality in the Médoc and she very much left her mark on the domain. In the 1855 classification, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande acquired the status of 2eme Cru Classé.
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, whence it gets its extraordinary charm. The exceptional character of the wines produced here, are distinguished by their elegance and finesse.
The temperatures were carefully regulated during the fermentation and the maceration to obtain an aromatic and silky expression of the vintage. Overall, the alcohol-tannin-acid balance was excellent. Malolactic fermentation was minimal due to low temperatures. Maceration: 18 to 24 days.
A year of opposites with a cold winter and spring, followed by a brutally dry and hot summer, which resulted in small sized berries. Further fluctuations mark the latter part of the summer, with a cold August and hot September, with overly exposed berries suffering. The extremes resulted in early ripening and a very high level of polyphenolic potential.
Pichon brings together finesse and the tannins characteristic of great Médoc wines. On the nose there is raspberry, violet and cherry tempered with a note of cigar. The structure is balanced, solid and made to last. This is a highly precise wine, while highly concentrated, elegantly showcasing the characteristics of this vintage marked by drought. Sensual, exotic aromatics abound along with pure supple flavours. This is a massive Pichon softened by a silky texture and velvety finish.
Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle and chocolate.
Serve at room temperature
BBR 17/20
Jancis Robinson 16.5/20
Robert Parker 95
Wine Spectator 89-91
AOC Pauillac, Bordeaux
64% Cabernet Sauvignon
36% Merlot
Natural Cork
13%
No
No
