Pichon Lalande 2011

Pauillac, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2011 Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande is an elegant, suave, medium-bodied effort with abundant black cherry and red and black currant fruit. Nearly St.-Julien-like in its texture and personality, this is a well-made, finesse-styled Pauillac to drink over the next 10-15 years.

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2029 01 April 2014

Only 40% of the crop made it into the grand vin, which achieved 12.95% natural alcohol. The final blend for the 2011 Pichon Lalande was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Under the administration of the new owners, the Merlot component has been dramatically reduced in favor of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. A strong effort, the 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color and abundant aromas of black currants intermixed with unsmoked cigar tobacco, serious body, more concentration than most of the classified growths, and a bigger, more structured style that may suggest a subtle change in the winemaking philosophy at this estate. This impressive wine is one of the vintage’s most interesting efforts. It should drink well for 15-20 years.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 27 April 2012

The headline is that this vintage of Pichon Lalande has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever: 78% accompanied by 8% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is aged in 60% new oak and has an IPT of 75. It has a very strict bouquet, obviously dominated by the Cabernet with notes of blackcurrant, tobacco, graphite, a hint of Christmas cake and that tincture of blood orange evident in the second wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a linear, conservative entry that expands nicely in the mouth. It has fine acidity, good tension, fine weight but it is very tightly wound, more so than usual at this nascent stage. Leaving it aside, there is a hint of Lapsong Souchang and graphite towards the finish that shows a little hardness, but that should soften by the time of bottling. A very Pauillac-like Pichon, perhaps the little brother of the 1996? Tasted twice with consistent notes. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 91 - 93

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Very fine expression of Cabernet cassis, lovely refreshingly lifted fruit, great elegance and charm and hidden power to last.

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2016-2035 16 April 2012

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Very dark with a black core. Cedary and dark and pure. Bright, fresh fruit aromas. A little bit herbaceous on nose and the palate. Pretty leafy and quite green on the palate, the Cabernets making themselves felt. Very fresh, lightly structured, savoury, elegant. Not a great deal of depth but juicy in the middle and it is harmonious. Lingers though it really is a little bit green on the finish. Firm and pretty dry. (JH) 13%

Score: 16 - 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2028 16 April 2012

This has good intensity, with a very lively core of kirsch, steeped blackberry and dark currant flavors supported by lots of pain d'épices and licorice snap on the finish. Shows drive and length.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

This is really fantastic for the vintage with a wonderful balance and finesse, yet a firm impressive tannin structure. It's very long and pretty. This has less Petit Verdot in the blend than in past vintages. 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Score: 93 - 94

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012