The estate
A 2nd Classified Growth of Pauillac, the magnificent Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande shines bright on the left bank of Bordeaux. In 2007, the Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande estate turned a new page in its history when it was purchased by the Rouzaud family, who also own the prestigious Maison de Champagne Louis Roederer.
The vineyard
The Pichon Longueville estate comprises 92 hectares, 72 of which are planted to the vine. The soils, composed of gravel outcroppings upon a clayey-sandy subsoil, are home to vines aged 30 years on average. The vineyard is managed with sustainable viticulture and biodynamic practices on 32 hectares.
The vintage
While warm temperatures in the winter favoured early bud burst, the months of April and May were hot and marked by very heavy rainfall. These conditions did not affect flowering, which was early and rapid. A cool and fairly rainy month of June preceded a hot, dry summer. The rains in August helped the vines ripen and avoid water stress. The grapes harvested were of very high quality.
Vinification and ageing
Plot vinification. Vatting by gravity. Tapered double-wall thermo-regulated tanks. Ageing for 12 months in barrels (40% new) with medium long toasting. Traditional racking à l’esquive.
The blend
The 2020 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is made from cabernet sauvignon (77%), merlot (17%), cabernet franc (6%).
The tasting
Nose
Frank and beautifully pure, the nose expresses fragrances of blackberry, blackcurrant and peony with tasty notes of cedar typical of the appellation.
Palate
Beautifully elegant, the palate seduces with its perfect balance between power, length, fullness and a tasty touch. Aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry coat the palate, whose chiseled tannic structure delicately blends precision and flavour.