Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

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.

1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
4. 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.

1. 1855: Classified as Deuxieme Cru Classe in the Medoc classification
2. 1978: May-Eliane de Lencquesaing takes control; begins elevation of estate reputation
3. 2006: Acquired by Louis Roederer Champagne
4. 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 · visiting guide

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

Frequently asked about Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

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