Pichon Lalande 2013

Pauillac, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes
The 2013 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, which as noted at the time of release is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a fragrant bouquet that, like the deuxième vin, has a pungent marine influence: seaweed and touches of cockle shell, nicely defined with blackberry and briary emerging more strongly with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity with grainy tannin. There is a slight rawness towards the finish that would have been addressed by the addition of Merlot, but there is respectable substance. It falls away quickly towards the finish but otherwise it is balanced and quite a distinctive Pichon Lalande. Drink over the next decade. Score: 89 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2029 28 October 2016
The headline is that the Grand Vin is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon since the Merlot was affected by coulure and the quality and quantity was such that it was deemed unworthy of the name. As expected, it has a classic Cabernet nose with that graphite character coming through very strongly. The palate is medium-bodied with quite tough tannins. There is a good level of acidity although it must be said...I miss that Merlot towards the finish to smooth out the texture, soften the hard edges of what is some very decent Cabernet. Its uncompromising Cabernet character has its charms but that severity on the finish takes some getting used to. Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2014
A rarity in terms of the final blend for a Pichon Lalande, the 2013 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an historic first at this estate. Only 33% of the crop made it into the final blend. New manager Nicolas Glumineau worked at Montrose until hired away by the owners, the Roederer Champagne house. Yields were absurdly low at 13 hectoliters per hectare. This hasn’t translated into a blockbuster, massive wine by any means. The vintage wouldn’t permit that. However, the 2013 Pichon Lalande shows attractive red and black currant fruit, hints of bay leaf and underbrush, soft tannins, medium body and a supple, charming, seductive character. I’d be hard-pressed to guess that this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon based on how it smells and tastes, but it is. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. Score: 87 - 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2026 01 August 2014
Striking expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, unique for this château, pure and long: a 'civilised' Pauillac. (90+ Points) Score: 90 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2030 01 April 2014
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackcurrant, herbs, lovely tannic softness. Not a hint of bitterness. Weightless, yet substantial. Excellent, lively, entrancing wine. Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2033 01 April 2014
100% Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time in history. Manager Nicolas Glumineau (formerly of Montrose) told us that the yields here were truly miniscule - 13hl/ha, the very lowest that we have heard in 2013. Production is an incredible 20% of 2012, as draconian selection saw most of the Merlot sold off in bulk. Fresh, focused, penetating nose. Classically elegant Cabernet but high-toned black fruit, lead pencil, cassis, and eucalyptus. Really beautiful and fresh with layers of pure black fruit, coca bean. Excellent fruit length and very compelling. Score: 92 - 95 Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2014
The 2013 Pichon-Lalande is quite unusual in that for the first time, it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Direct, expressive and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2013 is alive from the very first taste. Black cherry, dark raspberry, mint, violets and cloves all meld together in an absolutely exquisite wine. The 2013 finishes with outstanding depth, vibrancy and pure nuance. This is one of the standouts of the vintage. Tasted twice. Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 April 2014
Shows a juicy edge, with plum, black currant and cherry notes mixed together. A hint of charcoal adds range and texture on the finish. Reveals an elegant feel overall, accented by a distinct echo of savory. Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 01 April 2014

Tasting Notes

The 2013 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, which as noted at the time of release is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a fragrant bouquet that, like the deuxième vin, has a pungent marine influence: seaweed and touches of cockle shell, nicely defined with blackberry and briary emerging more strongly with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity with grainy tannin. There is a slight rawness towards the finish that would have been addressed by the addition of Merlot, but there is respectable substance. It falls away quickly towards the finish but otherwise it is balanced and quite a distinctive Pichon Lalande. Drink over the next decade.

Score: 89

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2029 28 October 2016

The headline is that the Grand Vin is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon since the Merlot was affected by coulure and the quality and quantity was such that it was deemed unworthy of the name. As expected, it has a classic Cabernet nose with that graphite character coming through very strongly. The palate is medium-bodied with quite tough tannins. There is a good level of acidity although it must be said...I miss that Merlot towards the finish to smooth out the texture, soften the hard edges of what is some very decent Cabernet. Its uncompromising Cabernet character has its charms but that severity on the finish takes some getting used to.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2014

A rarity in terms of the final blend for a Pichon Lalande, the 2013 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an historic first at this estate. Only 33% of the crop made it into the final blend. New manager Nicolas Glumineau worked at Montrose until hired away by the owners, the Roederer Champagne house. Yields were absurdly low at 13 hectoliters per hectare. This hasn’t translated into a blockbuster, massive wine by any means. The vintage wouldn’t permit that. However, the 2013 Pichon Lalande shows attractive red and black currant fruit, hints of bay leaf and underbrush, soft tannins, medium body and a supple, charming, seductive character. I’d be hard-pressed to guess that this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon based on how it smells and tastes, but it is. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Score: 87 - 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2026 01 August 2014

Striking expression of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, unique for this château, pure and long: a 'civilised' Pauillac. (90+ Points)

Score: 90

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2030 01 April 2014

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackcurrant, herbs, lovely tannic softness. Not a hint of bitterness. Weightless, yet substantial. Excellent, lively, entrancing wine.

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2033 01 April 2014

100% Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time in history. Manager Nicolas Glumineau (formerly of Montrose) told us that the yields here were truly miniscule - 13hl/ha, the very lowest that we have heard in 2013. Production is an incredible 20% of 2012, as draconian selection saw most of the Merlot sold off in bulk. Fresh, focused, penetating nose. Classically elegant Cabernet but high-toned black fruit, lead pencil, cassis, and eucalyptus. Really beautiful and fresh with layers of pure black fruit, coca bean. Excellent fruit length and very compelling.

Score: 92 - 95

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2014

The 2013 Pichon-Lalande is quite unusual in that for the first time, it is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Direct, expressive and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2013 is alive from the very first taste. Black cherry, dark raspberry, mint, violets and cloves all meld together in an absolutely exquisite wine. The 2013 finishes with outstanding depth, vibrancy and pure nuance. This is one of the standouts of the vintage. Tasted twice.

Score: 90 - 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 April 2014

Shows a juicy edge, with plum, black currant and cherry notes mixed together. A hint of charcoal adds range and texture on the finish. Reveals an elegant feel overall, accented by a distinct echo of savory.

Score: 89 - 92

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 01 April 2014

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