Pichon Lalande 2015

I tasted the 2015 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande on three separate occasions rating it 97 twice and 98 once. Checking in as a final blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is a nuanced style of wine that grows on you with time in the glass, and the larger Merlot component always gives it a more supple, seductive texture. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, spring flowers, leafy herbs and lead pencil notes all flow to a full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless beauty that builds on the palate, has fine tannin and a great, great finish. As classy as they come, it will continue to impress for two to three decades. 2023 - 2053

The fruit on the nose is ripe the start of the palate has depth a rich mix of cassis and black cherry. Lighter in the middle fragrant charm the sweet fruit is underpinned by bramble freshness silky velvet smooth at the back yet it finishes firmer and fresher with elegance and length.

This is a delicious Pichon, showing the château’s classic femininity and poise. The Cabernetis particularly fine and aromatic, providing the core of the wine, and is complemented by thespice, perfume and plushness of the other varieties. Brilliant winemaking. Drink: 2022-35

Winemaker Stephanie Danglade described Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as ‘hearts’ and Petit Verdot and CabernetFranc as the ‘links’. While both of these links were considered to be better this year, selection was important and theyplay a huge part in this wine. The press wine (12%) was very good quality, too, and it has a marked effect on the finalblend. There is sooty depth and wonderful plushness here with lovely round notes punctured by acidity and wildness.The oak is spectacular and I am seduced by the way in which it has sunk its teeth into this wine. More expressive andmore immediate than I thought it would be, it’s also worth noting that in spite of its exuberance the tannins are here forthe long run, too.

The 2015 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a beautiful bouquet that soars from the glass: blackberry, bilberry, potent graphite scents that lend it an air of Pauillac. I love the precision here and the manner in which it builds and gains momentum with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, good depth and delineation, layers of black fruit infused with graphite. There are certainly semblances to the great 1996 here, the Cabernet Sauvignon remaining in the driver's seat and lending structure and a sense of aristocracy on the finish. This is a serious Pichon Lalande for long-term aging. Anticipated maturity: 2021 - 2045.

The 2015 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that was picked from 10 September with the young Merlot, finishing on 9 October. It includes 12.5% vin de presse (which incidentally was included in the blend). It has a very pure bouquet with expressive Merlot imparting black cherries and wild strawberry aromas that are embroidered with a thread of graphite. I noticed how it errs more towards black fruit with extended aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with edgy tannin on the entry, the Cabernet Sauvignon here in the driving seat despite that level of Merlot trying to get in a look. Together they give a sense of completeness to this Pichon Lalande that has semblances towards the great 1996. Whereas this Pauillac has a tendency to be more approachable than others, in fact, the 2015 has the backbone and substance to suggest that it will require a minimum of ten years' ageing, but patience will be amply rewarded. Nicolas Glumineau has overseen a quite brilliant Pichon Lalande here. Drink 2027-2060

This is absolutely beautiful with super tannin quality that gives you the most silky texture. Precise. It goes for minutes. Full and concentrated yet all in balance.

A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in barrels, 60% new, the 2015 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is elegantly fruited with crushed red currants, black raspberries and cassis with touches of lavender, rose hips, tilled soil, fungi and charcuterie. Medium-bodied, finely crafted, remarkably pure and beautifully poised, it has a firm frame of very fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. 2023 - 2040

Mid crimson. Heady and dense and so thick it almost tastes as though you could stand a spoon up in this wine!! Lots of fun. Not too sweet and masses of structure but maybe slightly less sophisticated than the other Pichon?Drink 2025-2045

Very sweet and round and velvety. Lots to treasure here. Especially for those in a hurry! Ripe and rich. Lip smacking. But to be avoided by those who like their Pauillacs to have a hint of austerity, 13.6%Drink 2022-2038