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 76 hectares 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.
An early bud break end of March followed by two quite cold and wet months. The vine cycle slowed down and was subject to a heavy dose of mildew. The flowering was a bit late around the 10th of June while a very long, dry summer arrived on the 20th of June. In general the veraison was late and slow to develop and carried on until the 23rd of August for the Petit Verdot. September and October, were very dry and sunny months which provided excellent conditions for ripening. The optimal maturity of each parcel was achieved during the harvest between the 20th of September and the 20th of October.
What a vintage! A complex nose with lots of present aromas. Intense floral notes of rose and violet as well as wild basil and rosemary. A lovely complex, savory, rounded palate. Flavours of strawberry, morello cherry and white tobacco. Fine and well-tuned, long and unctuous; well-structured, well-balanced and intense.
Lamb, red meats, cheese, truffle and chocolate.
Serve at room temperature.
JamesSuckling.com: 94 POINTS
January 19, 2019, James Suckling
“The stunning, ripe dark berries and plums on the nose are attractively dressed and deliver a wealth of assertively rich and juicy dark-fruit flavors on the palate, in balanced and elegant yet powerful style. The best Réserve de la Comtesse for some time. Second wine of Château Pichon-Lalande.”
Vinous Media: 94 POINTS
January 2019, Antonio Galloni
“Sensual, racy and inviting, the Réserve de la Comtesse is one of the very finest wines readers will find in its peer group. Sweet dark plum, rose petal, spice and chocolate notes build into the silky, beautifully resonant finish. The 2016 has so much to offer. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious. Don’t miss it!”
AOC Pauillac, Bordeaux
54% Cabernet Sauvignon
37% Merlot
5% Petit Verdot
4% Cabernet Franc
Natural Cork
13.1%
3.71
No
No
