Réserve de la Comtesse 2009

Producer Information

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.

Vineyards

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.

Winemaking

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.

Vintage Information

The summer was a hot dry and sunny one, with minimal rain. The water deficit related stress to the vines affected some vines only, depending on grape variety and soil type. The resulting bunches had small berries that were packed with flavour and fruit. This is a vintage of generous sunshine.

Tasting Note

Currants and dried spices on the noce, with smoky wild violets and aromas of forest floor. Flavourful and full-bodied, this opulent Pauillac has seductive fruit, soft flesh and brightness. The silky yet chewy tannins are barely noticeable given the sweetness of the fruit and abundant glycerine, giving the wine a long finish. It is dense and solid.

Food Pairing

Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle and chocolate.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at room temperature

AOC Pauillac, Bordeaux
53% Cabernet Sauvignon
38% Merlot
9% Cabernet Franc

Natural cork
13%

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