Appellations

Reserve de la Comtesse (2nd wine of Pichon Lalande) 2015

Pauillac, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

The 2015 Réserve de la Comtesse is a superb second wine. Time in barrel and egg white fining have softened some of the tannins the 2015 showed as a barrel sample, but the fruit intensity, pedigree and class of the estate are all in the glass. Black cherry graphite, smoke and licorice are some of the many notes that infuse this potent, almost shockingly virile Comtesse. Quite simply, in 2015 Comtesse is equal to, or greater than, many Grand Vins. Don't miss it. The 2015 spent 12 months in oak, 25% new.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2035 Date: 01 February 2018

The 2015 Réserve de la Comtesse is a powerful, tannic second wine that looks like it will need a few years in bottle to come together, as its structural spine is imposing at this stage. Dark, brooding and intense, the 2015 possesses magnificent depth and pedigree to burn. A host of black cherry, graphite, smoke, licorice and incense hit the building, intense finish. The 2015 is a gorgeous Comtesse, but the brooding style is going to take some time to come into its own. This is a serious second wine. Tasted four times.

Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2016

Lots of blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory finish. A juicy second wine from PL.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2016

The 2015 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a very fine, quite sophisticated and pure bouquet with black cherries, cedar and violet aromas, perfumed and sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, rounded tannin that is cloaked by layers of tobacco-tinged black fruit that segues into a long, lightly spiced finish. This is a delightful, quite serious deuxième vin that I suspect will age much longer than drinkers will afford it. Try to give this five years and you will be rewarded.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 01 April 2016

Lively, with kirsch and cherry paste notes that are lined with fresh floral and bright iron notes, followed by a rather sleek finish.

Score: 87 - 90 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2016

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Really very opulent - just like blackberry juice! Until some slightly drying tannins on the end. Very Merlot-influenced with great sweetness. Early maturing. A real fleshy charmer. 13.62%

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2021-2030 Date: 01 April 2016