The layers offer excellent drainage in the relatively flat topography of the region allowing water to run off into “jalles” or streams, which subsequently flow off into the Gironde. Layers of gravel in the Pauillac region are key to its wines’ character and quality. Cabernet-based Bordeaux Blends) include inky and juicy blackcurrant, cedar or cigar box and plush or chalky tannins. Today producers such as Chateau Pontet-Canet, Chateau Grand Puy-Lacoste, Chateau Lynch-Bages, among others (all fifth growth) offer some of the most outstanding wines in all of Bordeaux.ĭefining characteristics of fine wines from Pauillac (i.e. The finest chateaux in that year were judged on the basis of reputation and trading price changes in rank since then have been miniscule at best. It’s a beautiful wine, very classic Pauillac, full of tertiary hints of truffle, soft menthol and undergrowth - signatures of an older Bordeaux wine that is wonderful. The Left Bank of Bordeaux subscribes to an arguably outdated method of classification that goes back to 1855. Pichon Lalande 2000 (3x150cl) Decanter (96) Of all the 2000s tasted in the line-up, this was the one that was most evolved, with melted tannins and exotic saffron spice notes. While the first growths are certainly some of the better producers of the Left Bank, today they often compete with some of the “lower ranked” producers (second, third, fourth, fifth growth) in quality and value. Estephe on its northern end and Chateau Latour is at Pauillac’s southern end, bordering St. Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild border St. The leader on the Left Bank in number of first growth classified producers within its boundaries, Pauillac has more than any of the other appellations, at three of the five. Description: Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2000 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac (96JS, 96RP, 95WS, 94ST, 92VN). The international reputation of this "Super Second" Growth can be attributed to unfailing quality and dynamic owners. Traditional methods and modern technology combine to make the most of the estate's prestigious soil. The unusual choice of grape varieties (there is a much higher percentage of Merlot than average) is a partial explanation for this wine's outstanding personality, marked by elegance, balance and finesse. Bordering on Chateau Latour, Second Growth Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is located in the southern part of Pauillac, near Saint-Julien. Just two families have been responsible for maintaining this wine's superb reputation for three centuries. In 1978, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe, in turn inherited this beautiful property and devoted herself entirely to continuing the tradition of quality wine. The 2000 vintage has been heralded as one of the 4 greatest vintages of the past 100 years and it shows in the phenomenal Comtesse Lelande. This took on the name of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. ![]() In 1850, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Countess de Lalande, and her two sisters inherited three-fifths of the vineyard from their father. "This has to be up there with one of the most seductive Comtesses on record with layers of alternating softness and concentration combined with a lot of 2016’s elegance and power.The Pichon Longueville estate goes back to 1688-1689. Its structure and tannins are generous yet gently handled, giving density while preserving the bright dark fruit flavors." - Wine Enthusiast (Roger Voss), Ratings: 96-98 "Ripe and stylish, it is elegance personified and will be a very fine wine to age. In 2018, so many wines lean towards extreme versions of themselves, but Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande remains very much within its classic parameters." - Vinous (Antonio Galloni), Ratings: 95-98 Grilled herbs, lavender, inky blue/purplish fruit and spice notes develop in the glass, but it is the wine's balance, purity of tannin and finish that stand out most. Made from 50 Cabernet Sauvignon, 34 Merlot, 10 Petit Verdot, 6 Cabernet Franc. ![]() powerful, dense and explosive, with a real sense of vertical lift that conveys energy. "Full-bodied, concentrated and completely laden with tightly wound black fruit and savory layers, the palate gives a rock-solid backbone of firm, super ripe, super fine-grained tannins and soft background freshness, finishing very long with a veritable display of mineral fireworks." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (, Bordeaux 2018 Issue), Ratings: 97-99
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