Pichon Lalande 2011

The 2011 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has an intriguing bouquet with blackberry, briary, mint, juniper and a touch of cassis that lends it a Margaux-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with a very tobacco-driven entry. Impressive depth, fleshier than expected, probably a Pauillac that will drink sooner than others. The shortcoming is just a slight lack of precision and persistency on the finish. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. 2022 - 2040

Only 40% of the crop made it into the grand vin, which achieved 12.95% natural alcohol. The final blend for the 2011 Pichon Lalande was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Under the administration of the new owners, the Merlot component has been dramatically reduced in favor of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. A strong effort, the 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color and abundant aromas of black currants intermixed with unsmoked cigar tobacco, serious body, more concentration than most of the classified growths, and a bigger, more structured style that may suggest a subtle change in the winemaking philosophy at this estate. This impressive wine is one of the vintage's most interesting efforts. It should drink well for 15-20 years.

A 2011 with blackberry, dark-chocolate and smoked-meat character. Full body, silky tannins and a long, intense finish. All about balance and polish. Very fine. Needs three to four years to soften. Try in 2017.

There is a lovely mix of fruits on the nose first rich ripe cassis and then firmer more structured black cherry. The fruit on the mid palate is concentrated serious deep profound but behind is freshness bilberries and red fruits that lighten the back palate and bring out the fragrances on the finish.