In the glass
Aroma: cassis, tobacco, violets, earth, pencil shavings, dark plum
Palate: pure cassis, blackcurrant, chocolate, menthol, charcoal, silk texture
Known for its silky texture and unusually high 32% Merlot for a Left Bank estate, Pichon Lalande bridges the power of Pauillac with a suppleness and perfume reminiscent of Margaux. Louis Roederer ownership since 2006 has brought further precision.
What it pairs with
-
Roast pigeon with black truffle sauce
The wine's silky texture and tobacco-truffle notes mirror the delicacy and earthiness of roasted pigeon. -
Rack of lamb with rosemary jus
Classic Pauillac pairing; Pichon Lalande's softer tannins and cassis make it especially suited to the delicacy of spring rack. -
Aged Mimolette or Comté
Hard, crystalline French cheese amplifies the cassis and pencil-shaving aromatic register.
How to serve Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast pigeon with black truffle sauce, Rack of lamb with rosemary jus, Aged Mimolette or Comté. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Pichon estate was divided in 1850 between Baron and Comtesse heirs. The Comtesse half, facing the Chateau Latour vineyards from across the road, was purchased by the Miailhe family and rose to international fame under May-Eliane de Lencquesaing's direction from 1978 to 2006. Louis Roederer Champagne acquired it in 2006.
- 1855 — Classified as Deuxieme Cru Classe in the Medoc classification
- 1978 — May-Eliane de Lencquesaing takes control; begins elevation of estate reputation
- 2006 — Acquired by Louis Roederer Champagne
- 2022 — 2022 vintage drew Wine Advocate top-tier in-bottle review (William Kelley, March 2025; reviewer-points tuples on scores array)
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Petit Verdot (3%)
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC, Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)
- Oak
- 18 months in 50% new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- $80-180 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-40 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1694
Scores
- Wine Advocate 98 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
- Wine Advocate 100 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)
Frequently asked about Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
What does Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande taste like?
On the nose, cassis, tobacco, violets, earth, pencil shavings. On the palate, pure cassis, blackcurrant, chocolate, menthol, charcoal. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, precise and silky finish. Known for its silky texture and unusually high 32% Merlot for a Left Bank estate, Pichon Lalande bridges the power of Pauillac with a suppleness and perfume reminiscent of Margaux. Louis Roederer ownership since 2006 has brought further precision.
When should I drink Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande?
Drink 10-40 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande?
Roast pigeon with black truffle sauce is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Rack of lamb with rosemary jus and Aged Mimolette or Comté. The wine's silky texture and tobacco-truffle notes mirror the delicacy and earthiness of roasted pigeon.
What grapes are in Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Petit Verdot (3%). The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC, Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification).