Standard - 75cl
ETA: +2 years
Winemaker Nicolas Glumineau was justifiably proud of the trio of glorious wines he showed during Primeurs week. This Grand Vin was the second tasted (de Pez is always last because of its tannin profile), and it is a resplendent parent to the charmingly forward and flattering Réserve. Pichon Lalande, by contrast, is a more intense and rich version, summoning up the trademark power that Cabernet brings to the party. It is entirely captivating, and it appears that while Merlot and Cabernet Franc form a full 17% of this wine, they are merely decorative, adding filigree detail to the statuesque structure of Cabernet Sauvignon (only Cabernet Sauvignon press wine was used). This wine embodies the vintage, viewed through a Lalande lens, resulting in a sophisticated, unhurried creation with rare class and breeding. It is worth noting that the finest wines in 2024 are separated by the also-rans by a gulf in quality, and this is one of the most polished and complete. The finish is so discreet and sensitively handled that it barely registers a tannic warning on my sensors. Brilliant and intuitive, this is Pichon Lalande at its finest, even in the most challenging conditions.
This wine offers pure, sophisticated aromatics of blueberries, blackcurrants, peony, and iris, with crayon and inky notes. Smooth and silky, it delivers great energy and intensity, balancing delicate chew, fleshiness, and fine, muscular tannins. Structured yet tight, it reveals iodine, salty graphite, cool blue fruit, mint, and cola. The texture grows on the second taste, gaining mass and flesh, with juicy sweetness on the mid-palate, evolving into a chewy finish. Tobacco, clove, liquorice, dark chocolate, and cedar add complexity. Mouthwatering acidity and precise balance showcase Nicolas Glumineau's skill, creating a svelte, energetic wine with a lot going on. 16% press. 50% production. 65% new oak. 3.7pH.
The length and linear nature of this wine make it outstanding. Medium-bodied with polished and refined tannins that caress the palate. Extremely well done. The length and finesse are impressive.
The Grand Vin from this reference point Pauillac château, the 2024 Château Pichon Longueville Comtess De Lalande checks in as 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc hitting 12.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 and an IPT of 70. Beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon notes of cassis, graphite, freshly sharpened pencil, and crushed stone all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a concentrated, layered, wonderfully textured mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is plush, sensual and inviting. Succulent dark-toned fruit, sweet spice, new leather, mocha, chocolate and lavender build nicely. Here, too, the tannins are so polished, so refined. The 2024 is an especially elegant Pichon-Comtesse. It’s also very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Bravo. Tasted four times.
Fragrant cassis bud, rose petals, and peony. Great definition, mouthwatering on the finish, savoury blue and black fruits, less concentration than the past few vintages, but this uses slate textured tannins, cold ash smoke and well-judged salinity to compensate and build interest and engagement. Harvest September 22 through to October 9. 66% new oak. Low yields of around 30hl/h. 16% press wine, 52% of the overall production (with the rest in Pichon Comtesse Reserve, no 3rd wine). 3.7 pH. IPT 70,
Deep garnet-purple colored. Shoots out of the glass with vibrant notes of black raspberries and black currants, plus hints of iris, fertile loam, cardamom, and graphite. The light-bodied palate is light on its feet with vivacious black fruit and savory flavors, supported by delicate, fine-grained tannins and appealing freshness, finishing earthy.
The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is clearly driven by Cabernet Sauvignon on the nose. Predominantly black fruit, freshly rolled tobacco and light cedar scents unfold in the glass, resolutely classic in style, strict yet focused and defined. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, evidencing the much lighter extraction exacted by Nicolas Glumineau. This results in an impressively balanced Pichon-Comtesse, lightly spiced with hints of cracked black pepper towards the finish, dare I say, cut in a "Lafite" style. Though without the ambition of the '22, this keeps within the limitations set by the growing season. I can imagine this Pauillac slipping down the throat with ease in its flush of youth.