Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande 2002

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "One of the best wines of the vintage, this is a classic Pauillac that is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Dense ruby/purple in color with a glorious nose of melted licorice, lavender, barbecue smoke, black currants, and graphite, the wine is tannic, classically structured with an opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful definition, and a 1996-ish personality. This deep, full-bodied, elegant yet powerful 2002 should age handsomely for over two decades. Some patience will be required since this vintage exhibits more muscle and virility than normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025."

WEINWISSER: 18 RENÈ GABRIEL´ S BX TOTAL: "Duftiges, würziges, kräftiges Bouquet, Cassis, Kirschen, fein Caramel. Ausgewogener, seidener, frischer Gaumen mit süsser Aromatik, fein cremgier Struktur, guter Aromatik, langer, feiner Abgang. 18/20 trinken - 2026" - A.Kunz.

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromas of blackberries, cassis with fresh mushrooms and licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Slightly austere now but should come around very nicely. Best after 2007. 15,830 cases made."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: 90 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot produced a wine with olive, wet earth, tobacco and cassis. Medium bodied, with an olive, black cherry and slight herbal quality, the wine feels slightly dry in the finish. I’d opt for drinking this sooner than later."