Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande - Reserve de la Comtesse 2021

WEINWISSER: "Für Pichon Comtesse ist 2021 das erste Jahr in Konversion zur Biozertifizierung. Dunkle, intensive Farbe. Satte, dichte Schoko-Nase mit viel Kraft und Druck. Tiefgründig, geschliffen und konzentriert, mit einem dichten Cabernet- Gewebe (98 % in der Assemblage). Reife, rosinige Noten, viel Frische und beerige Würze im Geruch. Dicht und druckvoll beginnt die Comtesse, sehr energisch und schlank im klassischen Sinn. Toller, durchdringender Pauillac, der mit seiner etwas roh anpackenden Art doch ganz reif erscheint. Mittig konzentriert wirkt er etwas weniger expansiv in der Breite, und doch blitzen weit verteilt immer wieder Aromen reflexe auf. Lang, schwungvoll und unnachgiebig mit männlicher Gerbstoffstruktur vom Cabernet."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Firm and polished tannins highlight this second wine from Pichon Lalande, with dark berry, chocolate, meat and cedar character as well as lead pencil. Very polished with structure and length. Needs time to soften. Better after 2027."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart floral, schwarze Kirschen, ein Hauch von Lakritze, zarte Kräuterwürze. Saftig, frisch strukturiert, dezente Fruchtsüße, etwas Pflaumen, gut integrierte Tannine, straff und anhaftend, gute Frisch und Länge im Abgang."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Wafting from the glass with notes of blackberries, minty cassis, petals and pencil shavings, the 2021 Resèrve de la Comtesse is medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, with a fleshy core of fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. This beautifully balanced wine will drink well on release. It's one of the most successful second wines produced this year."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Licorice, black cherries, and smoked aromas get the wine started. But, it is on the palate, where this baby Pichon Comtesse gets going. Forward, soft, medium-bodied, and elegant, you can enjoy this as soon as it hits the stores, or age it for a few years. This was made by blending 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2033."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Engaging, with a flurry of violet, alder and black tea notes leading off, followed by a solidly built core of black currant and sweet bay leaf elements. The finish reveals warm earth and cast iron details. A textbook Pauillac. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2034."

DECANTER: "Perfumed blackcurrants on the nose and palate - juicy and succulent, the tannins are mouthfilling and have a cool blue fruit flavour, almost blueberry and plum, fresh with a softly fleshy texture. Lovely depth on the mid-palate, it doesn't let up - going from start to finish with gusto. You also get liquorice, clove tones - dark spiced aspects but they’re integrated and don't cause angles just nuances in terms of flavour. You've definitely got the Pauillac power and concentration but also an energy that is so captivating. A confident second wine that has direction."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The second wine 2021 Pichon Comtesse Reserve is based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon 36% Merlot, and 8% Petite Verdot. It's a solid second wine that brings good intensity in its ripe red and blue fruits (plums, redcurrants) as well as classic Pauillac graphite, tobacco, and spicy oak. It's medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, with fine tannins and an incredibly drinkable style."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Pichon Comtesse Reserve is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a bit of shaking to wake up scents of juicy black raspberries and red plums, fragrant earth and wild roses, followed by suggestions of bay leaves and pencil lead. The light to medium-bodied palate has great freshness and lightly chewy tannins to support the lively black berry flavors, finishing with an herbal lift."