In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, plum, cedar, violets, light tobacco
Palate: cassis, dark fruits, smooth tannins, fresh acidity, spice
Second wine of Pichon Lalande since 1973. Described by the estate as a true Pauillac brand in its own right. Higher Petit Verdot proportion adds structure and spice; the estate's characteristic silk texture is detectable even at this level.
What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken with thyme and garlic
The second wine's accessible tannins and fruit-forward palate pair beautifully with roasted poultry's natural sweetness. -
Beef bourguignon
The cassis and tobacco notes echo the slow-braised red wine flavours in the stew; medium body matches the textures. -
Roasted duck breast with cherry compote
Dark fruit in the wine bridges the cherry reduction; duck fat is managed by firm Cabernet structure.
How to serve Reserve de la Comtesse
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast chicken with thyme and garlic, Beef bourguignon, Roasted duck breast with cherry compote. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Reserve de la Comtesse has been produced since 1973, making it one of the earlier established second wines in the Medoc. Under Louis Roederer ownership it has been further developed as a standalone wine rather than just an overflow of the grand vin selection process.
- 1973 — First vintage of Reserve de la Comtesse; among the earliest formal second wines in the Medoc
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (36%), Petit Verdot (7%), Cabernet Franc (2%)
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in 50% new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- $35-60 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1973
Scores
- Wine Advocate 93 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)
Frequently asked about Reserve de la Comtesse
What does Reserve de la Comtesse taste like?
On the nose, blackcurrant, plum, cedar, violets, light tobacco. On the palate, cassis, dark fruits, smooth tannins, fresh acidity, spice. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium, clean and fruit-forward finish. Second wine of Pichon Lalande since 1973. Described by the estate as a true Pauillac brand in its own right. Higher Petit Verdot proportion adds structure and spice; the estate's characteristic silk texture is detectable even at this level.
When should I drink Reserve de la Comtesse?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Reserve de la Comtesse?
Roast chicken with thyme and garlic is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Beef bourguignon and Roasted duck breast with cherry compote. The second wine's accessible tannins and fruit-forward palate pair beautifully with roasted poultry's natural sweetness.
What grapes are in Reserve de la Comtesse?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (36%), Petit Verdot (7%), Cabernet Franc (2%). The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC.