Chateau Pichon Comtesse featured image
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2022
Vintage
2022
Region
Bordeaux
Country
France
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
ABV
13.5%
Dietary
Vegetarian
Sustainability
Biodynamic Viticulture, Organic Viticulture
Pichon Comtesse
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a historic Pauillac estate on the Bordeaux Left Bank, classified as a Deuxième Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification. Known for refined Bordeaux red wine from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, Pichon Comtesse is one of the most recognised names in Pauillac. Its vineyards lie close to the Gironde Estuary, on gravel soils over clay and sand, producing wines noted for precision, structure, depth and a distinctive sense of elegance.
Read MoreViticulture
Chateau Pichon Comtesse 2022 comes from the estate’s 102 hectares in Pauillac, of which 80 hectares are in production. The vineyard is planted on gravel, clay and sand soils, with a high planting density of 9,000 vines per hectare and an average vine age of 28 years. In 2022, the estate was in its second year of conversion to 100% organic farming, with 65% of the vineyard managed using biodynamic practices. The nearby Gironde estuary plays an important moderating role in the vineyard’s microclimate.
Vinification
The wine was vinified by vineyard plot, allowing precise expression of the estate’s Pauillac terroirs. Grapes were transferred by gravity into thermoregulated conical stainless steel vats for fermentation. Ageing took place for 18 months in oak barrels, with 60% new oak using a long, medium toast. Traditional racking “à l’esquive” was used, followed by egg white fining. This careful approach supports purity, structure and the fine tannin profile expected of Chateau Pichon Comtesse.
2022
The 2022 vintage began with a fairly dry, mild winter and early budbreak in April. Several nights of frost followed, though the Gironde estuary helped protect the vineyard. A warm, dry spring encouraged excellent flowering in late May, while June was unsettled and wet, with hailstorms sparing Pichon Comtesse. From early July, heatwave and drought conditions set in. Mid-August storms brought 25mm of rain, supporting ripening. Harvest began on 8 September in dry conditions, with perfectly ripe grapes.
Tasting Note
The nose shows remarkable complexity and depth, with raspberry and blackcurrant layered with red rose and subtle rosewood. The palate is voluminous and refined, offering crunchy Morello cherry and blackcurrant with vivid freshness and a silky texture. Full-bodied yet graceful, the wine combines richness with precision and finely grained tannins. The finish is flavourful, long and persistent, showing the depth, elegance and ageing potential of Pichon Comtesse in 2022.
Food Pairing
Pair with roast lamb, beef fillet, venison, duck breast, mushroom and truffle dishes, braised beef, aged Comt?, hard cheeses or classic Bordeaux-led fine dining menus.
Bottle Shots - Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2022
