2018 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Among the highest scoring vintages over the last two decades from a legendary "Super Second" estate, these powerful and elegant selections from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande boast rich, aromatic dark fruit and bright, mineral-driven acidity, some ready to enjoy now and all ageworthy blends rivalling the quality of neighboring First Growth estates at unbeatable pricing.

Described as “arguably the single hottest chateau on Bordeaux’s Left Bank right now” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Pichon Lalande is located in Pauillac on the iconic Route des Chateaux overlooking the Gironde, its majestic turreted Chateau surrounded by the vines of First Growth Latour. Covering 89 hectares on deep gravel layered over clay and limestone, the Pichon Lalande vineyards are planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon with the oldest vines overlooking the river ranging up to 90 years of age, the remaining parcels located mostly in a single plot west of Latour. Describing it as “utterly brilliant, delivering juice, minerality, power, balance,” the thrilling 97 pt. 2009 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande offers “sheer enjoyment” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson and “will unquestionably evolve gracefully for another 20-25 years” according to Jeb Dunnuck while the Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss calls the 97 pt. 2009 Pichon Lalande “a seductive wine” with “beautifully integrated” tannins that’s simply “wonderful to taste” according to James Suckling. The 100 pt. 2010 Pichon Lalande is a “total showstopper” and a “modern day classic” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, while James Suckling describes it as “rock-solid, with a classic Pauillac profile” and a lingering mineral-driven finish. The 95 pt. 2012 Pichon Lalande is “a wine of pure and total seduction” with “so much to offer” according to critic Galloni, while the 98 pt. 2015 Pichon Lalande is “as classy as they come” according to Jeb Dunnuck and “will continue to impress for two to three decades,” while impressing James Suckling with its “gorgeous texture” and “long and beautiful finish.” Described as “a perfect, legendary wine in the making” by Jeb Dunnuck, the 100 pt. 2016 Pichon Lalande earned a spot on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2019, called “a vivid, dramatically sweeping wine that will leave readers week at the knees” by critic Antonio Galloni who adds “don’t miss it.” Offering “silky tannins” that “feels like a Pauillac” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, the 96 pt. 2017 Pichon Lalande boasts “pure elegance and class” according to Jeb Dunnuck while the 99 tp. 2019 Pichon Lalande 99 pts. is “one of the wines of the vintage” according to the Wine Advocate’s William Kelley, described by Vinous critic Neal Martin as “an absolute showstopper.”

Garnering unanimous critical acclaim typically reserved for the First Growths at a fraction of the price, these exceptional vintages from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande blends are affordable luxuries not to be missed by Bordeaux lovers and collectors, whether selecting a few favorites to enjoy now or stocking the cellar and savoring them for years to come.

98JD

98WS #2 Top 100

98WE

97WA

97V

97JS

The 2018 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is a monster of a wine with an almost Château Latour-like stature and structure, offering deep, backward, slightly reductive notes of blackcurrants, crushed stone, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and tobacco leaf. Based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it's full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful on the palate, with masses of tannins, beautiful mid-palate density, and a great finish. As I've commented previously, the up-front, sexy style of the past (due to the larger Merlot content, I believe) has been replaced by a more regal, at times austere profile. Nevertheless, it's still its own wine and very Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in style. This 2018 is going to need 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 40+ years.

98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

Offers a deep well of dark currant, blackberry paste and plum preserves fruit that needs time to unwind fully, as it’s shrouded in warm earth, tobacco, singed cedar, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. A ramrod of graphite adds to the strident, structured feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2030 through 2050.

98 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)

#2 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2021

This famous estate at the southern end of Pauillac has produced a powerful wine. Packed blackberry fruits, laced with acidity, are just starting out on a long journey along with the tannins. The wine’s elegance is beautifully preserved within the structure. With considerable potential, the wine should not be drunk before 2027.

98 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)

The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol. The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums, ripe blackcurrants and wild blueberries, followed by hints of cedar chest, pencil lead, bouquet garni and charcuterie, plus a waft of lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully crafted with its seamless freshness and firm, grainy tannins supporting the compelling, finely knit black fruits and savory nuances, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. This will need a good 5 years to come around and should easily cellar for another 30 years or more.

97+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Mar 2021)

The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande dazzles from the very first taste. A heady concoction of inky dark fruit, graphite, new leather, licorice, lavender, spice and grilled herbs soars out of the glass. The 2018 is rich and expansive yet retains a super-classic vertical feel. Plush, silky tannins add to its immeasurable pedigree. I would cellar the 2018 for a decade or so, if patience permits. It's a stellar wine in the making.

97+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)

Aromas of blackberry, dried blueberry, gravel, mocha and cigar box. Light fresh-herb undertone. It’s full-bodied with firm, ultra fine tannins and fresh acidity. Focused and minerally with a long finish. Great length. Very tight and restrained at the moment. Wait until at least 2026 to take a look.

97 points, James Suckling (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$259.88

Compare At: $279.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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