22 Jun 2020

Released this morning at just £336 per dozen bottles in bond, the renamed 2019 Pichon Comtesse Reserve is the second wine of Pauillac super-star Pichon Lalande.   With the grand vin achieving a potentially perfect score from Neal Martin (one of only two wines to do so), the reputation of Pichon 'Reserve' is growing too. 

There are many striking things about visiting this Château, but one of them is the proximity of Latour...it is easier to walk from one to the other than to drive.  Pichon Lalande has been pushing at First Growth quality for some years.  With Martin comparing the 2019 grand vin to the 1982 and the current vintage down by 25% in volume, we are working hard to secure stock to offer. 

In the meantime, at just £28 per bottle in bond, the 'Reserve' is superb value, offering a taste of the brilliant work technical director Nicholas Glumineau has been doing here. Lisa Perotti-Brown MW even describes the palate as "a bit weightier than the grand vin", although this will be drinking much earlier.

 

See Nicholas Glumineau present the 2019 vintage:

 

 

Producer Profile

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a Deuxième Cru Classé estate in the commune of Pauillac.  There are many striking things about visiting Pichon Lalande, but one of them is the proximity of Latour...it is easier to walk between these two Pauillac estates than to drive. 

Owned since 2006 by the Rouzaud family (owners of Louis Roederer) Pichon Lalande has been pushing at First Growth quality for some years, under the leadership of Nicholas Glumineau.  The estate comprises 90 hectares, with 73 hectares under vine, planted to a density of 9 vines per hectare and averaging 35 years of age.  As of 2020, 28 hectares have been converted to organic and biodynamic viticulture.  The wine spends 18 months in 60% new oak.  13% of the blend is press wine, with 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 23% Merlot.