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.
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 — Wine Advocate 100 points for the 2022 vintage (William Kelley, March 2025 in-bottle review)
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)