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 Second 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 St Julien, from whence it gets its extraordinary charm. The exceptional character of the wines produced here, are distinguished by their elegance and finesse. The average age of the vines is 35 years, the sub-soils are made up of deep layers of gravel, and the top soils are ploughed. All these factors work in favour of the terroir and the production of high quality wines. In these conditions the water constraints created by drought can generate higher wine quality, as long as the vine doesn’t suffer stress.
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
Very dry, particularly during the vegetative period of the vine from April to July. The results of this were a difficult assimilation of nutritive elements for the vine and a less vigorous growth. On the other hand the maturation phase started early and wiped out the heterogeneity of the different parcels. However the cocktail of drought, very high range of temperatures, heatwave in July and cold month of August created marked disparities between the parcels. This year the grapes were fragile and the danger of botrytis was very strong. It was necessary to take prompt action at the time of the harvest.
Very dark crimson. Final floral with elegant leafiness from Cabernet Franc, slightly lean now but good fruit and structure and good length. It is an archetype of seduction with tannins of great breed. Its structure is mellow and full of charm, with the flavours of a red fruit basket.
Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle and chocolate
Serve at room temperature
Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 89
Decanter 16+
Jancis Robinson – 16.5
AOC Pauillac, Bordeaux
46% Cabernet Sauvignon
32% Merlot
13% Cabernet Franc
9% Petit Verdot
Natural cork
13%
