Pichon Comtesse de Lalande

Decanter.com

96 / 100

par Jane Anson le 24/10/2019

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. 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 to drink now. It’s probably the most perfect of the five for cracking open over the next few years but may not have the staying power of the others. Interesting to note how much higher the pH is here (3.85) than Leoville (3.5) considering it’s practically next door. 10% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Harvest 21 September 21 to 9 October.
Drinking Window 2019 - 2038

WeinWisser

17 / 20

par René Gabriel le 30/04/2012

reifends Weinrot, etwas matt, mit aufhellendem Rand. Gemüsiges Bouquet, etwas Pfefferschoten und Cornichons, eine versöhnende Süsse zeigend. Erster Genuss, etwas mürbe Tannine, doch auch hier kommt die grünliche Note durch. Enttäuscht ein wenig. Trinken- 2024

La Revue du Vin de France

14 / 20

le 01/12/2009

Dans une phase de fermeture, peu épanoui et surtout dominé dans sa palette aromatique par des notes de poivron, Pichon Comtesse se révèle décevant dans ce millésime. A l'opposé de son style habituel toujours plus sudiste (très merlot), rond et suave, il se montre austère, aux tanins raides et bien loin de la sensualité du cru.

Wine Advocate

97 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2003

The 2000 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is spectacular, and certainly a noteworthy rival to the 1996, 1995, and even the extraordinary 1982. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, this effort has a dense saturated purple color, a singular/distinctive yet possibly controversial aromatic smorgasbord existing of creme de cassis, vanilla, and violets, but also tapenade and tree bark. No doubt the Petit Verdot has imparted a certain almost olive-like component to the wine's aromatic profile. In the mouth, it is a wine of extraordinary density, opulence, great presence, and richness. As the 2000 sits in the glass, notes of lavender and melted licorice emerge along with the distinctive tapenade aromas interwoven with creme de cassis, espresso roast, and cedar. The wine is full-bodied, with extraordinary purity and a tremendous texture. I suspect this wine will be relatively approachable young but evolve effortlessly. This is a dramatic, almost flamboyant style that is not classic Pauillac in one sense, but a classic wine. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025.

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

par James Suckling le 31/03/2003

Classic character. Intense aromas of currant and minerals follow through to full-bodied palate, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Some people find this herbaceous, but it reminds me of a currant bush more than something green. This character is due to a higher percent of Petit Verdot than normal. Muscular Pichon. Best after 2010.

Wine Advocate

96-98 / 100

par Robert Parker le 28/02/2002

dramatic effort, the 2000 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot. Only 40% of the harvest made it into the grand vin. Its dense purple color is followed by fabulous aromas of creme de cassis intermixed with roasted espresso, violets, and toast. It has a superb entry on the palate, full body, an opulent texture, silky tannin, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. This stunning wine will provide unreal drinking early on, but age for three decades. Bravo! Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025

La Revue du Vin de France

/ 100

le 30/06/2001

Très classique mais magnifiquement sensuel, onctueux et séducteur, Pichon-Comtesse brille par ses notes charmeuses de fruits rouges et noirs, de toast et de cacao. La bouche est ronde et moelleuse, mais sans aucune mollesse grâce à une élégante et fine structure tannique. Belle finale fraîche et ample.

Vinum

/ 100

le 30/06/2001

Nez séduisant, avec des notes de sureau, de tabac et de cerises noires. En bouche, un superbe tannin mûr et frais, savoureux, un fruité délicat. Un vin très réussi.

Wine Advocate

95-97 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2001

A formidable effort, Pichon Lalande is one of the superstars of the vintage. The blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot (from vines planted in 1932), and 6% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a spectacularly complex, rich wine. The 2000 offers an intensely spicy, blackberry, cassis, and smoky-scented perfume with hints of espresso, barbecue spice, and cedar. Enormously rich on the attack, with some smokiness, superb purity, high but sweet, ripe tannin. Powerful for this estate, yet with perfect harmony and purity, it will be drinkable between 2004-2030. Bravo!