At a glance

Producer

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Region

Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot (typically ~71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

USD $230-300 per bottle (750ml), as of 2024

Tasting profile

Vivid blackcurrant, cassis, violet, cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, hints of mocha and sweet spice. Full-bodied, pure, refined oak, tightly-knit structure.

Evolution: With age, fruit notes mellow towards dried currant, plum, and fig; tertiary nuances of forest floor, leather, cigar box, and truffle emerge. Tannins will melt, giving silkier mouthfeel.

At peak: Harmonious integration of fruit, tannin, and acidity; complex bouquet melding black fruit, earth, cedar, and savory umami. Silky, long-lasting, layered finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus, supports freshness, balances richness and will aid further aging

Tannins

Fine-grained, abundant but refined; currently polishing, will soften further with time

Alcohol

13.5% - 14%, well-integrated, not dominant

Aging potential

30+ years from vintage; will evolve positively over next 2-3 decades

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2062

Optimal window

2027 to 2065

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Fresh, structured, primary fruit prominent, tannins present but beginning to integrate; wine is balanced and cellar-worthy

The 2032-2045 window is considered peak as the wine’s formidable tannic structure softens and secondary/tertiary aromas develop, complexing black fruit with savory, earthy, and spicy notes. Leading up to peak, integration replaces youthful boldness with elegance and nuance. Post-peak, fruit will gradually fade, structure may decline, and oxidative notes will appear, diminishing vibrancy.

Food pairing

Classic: Roast lamb with herbs, rare beef ribeye, duck breast, venison loin. Current profile: Grilled meats, truffle risotto, hard aged cheeses. At peak: Dishes with umami and earth—wild mushroom ragout, braised short ribs, roast game birds. As wine evolves, pair with subtler, earthier fare that echoes tertiary notes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has fine-grained, abundant tannins that are currently polishing and will benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and soften the tannins further.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Sustainable viticulture, reduced chemical inputs, biodiversity corridors, organic conversion underway on select plots, water & energy management

Chateau Pichon Comtesse has embraced sustainable and environmentally conscious methods, making significant strides towards organic and carbon-reduced operations, though not yet fully certified organic or biodynamic as of 2024.