2016 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Reserve de la Comtesse

ABOUT THE WINE. Named for Thérèse de Rauzan (who brought the estate as her dowry) and long shaped by a line of visionary women, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one of Pauillac’s most alluring Second Growths. In modern times, major investment followed the 2007 acquisition by the Roederer group, with a full renovation completed in 2008 that sharpened vineyard precision and cellar finesse. The 2016 vintage—long, even and late-ripening—favoured Cabernet Sauvignon and delivered a wine of purity, depth and classical Pauillac poise.. TASTING NOTES – 2016 VINTAGE. Cabernet-dominant and beautifully perfumed: cassis, blackberry and black cherry lifted by violet, cedar and a whisper of cocoa and graphite. The palate is silky and layered, marrying succulent dark fruit with fine, velvety tannins, vibrant freshness and a long, mineral-tinged finish. Both opulent and precise—a hallmark Pichon Lalande with superb ageing potential.. FOOD PAIRING. Perfect with pepper steak, beef ragout with tagliatelle, lamb saddle with rosemary, or wild mushroom dishes. Hard, nutty cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda) also shine.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A benchmark 2016: sensuous texture meets Left Bank definition. Decant 1–2 hours if drinking now; optimal 2026–2048+.