Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2021

Deep crimson. Intense dark cherry, blackcurrant brambly aromas with espresso, graphite leafy notes. Richly flavoured and sturdy with ample blackcurrant blackberry fruits dense chocolaty/ chewy textures and integrated cedar oak notes. Finishes chocolaty firm with mineral graphite notes. This should age pretty well. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 2% merlot, 10% cabernet franc. 12 months in 40% new French oak. 13% alc

88% C. Sauvignon, 10% C. Franc and 2% Merlot. 12.9% alcohol. This property had to put more C. Sauvignon in the blend due to a significant loss on Merlots (coulure and mildew). Loss of Merlot resulted in low yield, which landed on 15 hl/ha. Cabernets had greatly profited from fine weather conditions in October. Redcurrants, crushed stones, fresh coffee beans, potent yet elegant, medium concentration, fine midpalate and persistent finish. Very successful for the vintage. 95p.

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, dark fruits, some vanilla, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, spices, detailed, layered and nuanced, lovely balance and energy to it, long finish. 12,9% alcohol. 96-98

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Rich and concentrated nose yet with a lot of freshness. Aroma reminiscent of ripe cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants. Subtle oak and fine toasting. On the palate very precisely shaped, full-bodied and well structured with excellent length, ripe berries and dark stone fruit, discreet spiciness in the finish. A powerful yet very elegant wine.