The blend for the 2009 Pichon Lalande is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, somewhat unusual at this estate which usually has more Merlot in the blend. As stated previously, the Cabernet Sauvignon reached levels of ripeness and intensity of flavor in 2009 never seen before in Bordeaux! The final blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot and a pH of 3.8 combines the best of a vintage such as 1996, in terms of structure, freshness, and precision, with the best of 1982, in terms of opulence, power, unctuosity, and thickness. The opaque purple-colored 2009 exhibits an intoxicatingly intense nose of red and black fruits, subtle smoke, charcoal, forest floor, and a hint of flowers. Unusually full-bodied for a wine from this estate as well as unctuously textured, voluptuous, and incredibly pure and precise, this dazzling wine should be drinkable at an early age, and evolve for 30+ years. (Tasted once.) 96-98 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (May 2010)
Wow. This has an incredible complexity on the nose of currant, spice, mineral and flowers. Full-bodied, with a great density of fruit and tannins, yet polished and beautiful. This could be the new 1982 from here. Made from 75 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot and 5 percent Petit Verdot. 95-98 points, James Suckling for The Wine Spectator, Online March 25, 2010.
(a blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 5% petit verdot; 13% alcohol; pH 3.79; 70 IPT; 50% new oak) Purple-ruby color. Initially reticent nose hints at minerals and blackcurrant, then opens to reveal spicy strawberry, violet and cedar. Quite dense yet suave on entry, with harmonious acids nicely framing the captivating blackcurrant, plum and cedar flavors. Conveys an impressive sense of depth and brooding power, yet remains remarkably light on its feet and easy to drink. Very silky wine, with polished tannins offering considerable structure and support to the ripe fruit flavors on the extremely long finish. An utterly seamless wine yet very serious wine that will offer considerable early drinking appeal but needs time to reveal all of its considerable potential. Pichon-Lalande has long been one of my favorite wines of Bordeaux but I've been unimpressed by many recent vintages, so I am very happy to report that the '09 is not just the best wine here in recent memory, but probably one of the best of all time. 93-96 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010) | 
