Wine Advocate
par Robert Parker le 30/04/1998
It seems to me that Pichon-Lalande aimed for an elegant style of wine in 1997, avoiding any attempt to over-extract. Consequently, it turned out a wine with more depth, but also astringent tannin. It is an elegant, medium-bodied Pichon-Lalande that will drink well young. If it puts on a bit more weight and intensity, it will merit a slightly higher score. This estate's harvest took place between September 19 and early October. Only 40% of the production was considered good enough for the grand vin. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot, the wine exhibits a dark ruby color, followed by a forward, sweet black cherry and cassis-scented nose, and fleshy, medium-bodied, open-knit, low acid flavors. The finish is slightly short, but the wine is stylish, graceful, and easy to drink and understand. It should age well for 10-12 years. An expressive wine aromatically, with light tannin in the finish, Pichon-Lalande's 1997 is a captivating and pleasing wine, but to put it in perspective, it is not comparable to the fabulous 1996 and 1995, or even the underrated, impressive 1994.