November 20, 2024
Pichon Lalande 2020 - #3 in Vinous' Top 100 wines of 2024
"The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has one of the more opulent aromatic profiles amongst the flight of Pauillac wines, displaying black cherries, cassis, graphite and cedar. [...] this a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection." - Neal Martin, Vinous
"Hail! Hail! Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande! Nicolas Glumineau crafted a scintillating, effortless, composed and delicious wine that, as I write in my tasting note, flirts with perfection." - Neal Martin, Vinous
With a score upgrade from Neal Martin to one point of perfection, 99-Points and coming in at #3 of Vinous Top 100 wines of 2024, there are no better endorsements as to why you should be adding the Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2020 to your collection right now.
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2020 is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Pauillac’s elegance. Neal Martin of Vinous just tasted the 2020's in bottle this month and Pichon Lalande was the only wine to score 99-points in the report, outshining bigger names like Latour. Ausone, Figeac and Margaux.
Known for its finesse and distinct charm, Pichon Lalande’s 2020 vintage showcases an alluring fragrance, polished fruit, and a depth of character that rivals any Bordeaux estate. Under the leadership of Nicolas Glumineau, who previously crafted Montrose’s 100-point 2009 and 2010 vintages, the estate has reached unprecedented heights.
William Kelley of Wine Advocate highlights its seamless structure and sensual complexity, a testament to Glumineau’s influence since his arrival in 2013. The 2020 vintage epitomises Pichon Lalande’s recent resurgence, embodying both refinement and swagger, and solidifying its reputation as one of the most exciting names in Bordeaux today.
We've included a table of the top scorers from the tasting below.
Vinous scores from the Bordeaux 2020 - Southwold tasting this month:
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2020
99 points | Vinous - Neal Martin
The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has one of the more opulent aromatic profiles amongst the flight of Pauillac wines, displaying black cherries, cassis, graphite and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a silver bead of acidity. Silky smooth in texture, this retains impressive composure toward the finish, handling the weight of fruit with class. It improves with each swirl, though the bottle I tasted just after bottling had a touch more precision. Nevertheless, this a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
98+ points | The Wine Independent. Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2020 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs considerable swirling to bring out fragrant scents of lilacs, tilled soil, rosehip tea, and Sichuan pepper, giving way to a core of cassis, black raspberries, and cedar chest with emerging iron ore and charcoal scents. The medium-bodied palate is so tightly knit, with firm, grainy tannins and lovely tension, finishing long and minerally.
98 points | James Suckling
Aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants with some stone and sandalwood undertones. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a fresh and delicious finish. Classy tannins that are fine and textured. Such sophistication. Drink after 2027 and onwards.
98 points | Jeb Dunnuck
The Grand Vin 2020 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. It has classic Pauillac character in its red, blue, and black fruits as well as graphite, cedar pencil, violet, and flower nuances. Seemingly from a cooler vintage with its purity, vibrancy, and focus, it nevertheless is concentrated and has ripe, gorgeous tannins, a great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. A deep, concentrated, flawlessly balanced 2020 that's built for the long haul, it needs a solid decade of cellaring and will be a 50+-year wine. Of the recent trilogy of 2018, 2019, and 2020, director Nicolas Glumineau has been consist in preferring the 2020, although I think at this point the nudge goes to the 2019. Regardless, these are all truly singular, magical wines that every reader will be thrilled to have in the cellar. It's a good time to be a Bordeaux lover!