Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
97
"The 2018 Pichon-Lalande was given an hour’s decant and then observed over the next 24 hours. It has clearly retained the showstopping nose that I encountered from barrel, those same “gentle waves" of black cherries and blueberry, incense and violets lending it a Margaux-like allure. The palate is vibrant and full of tension from the start, the acidity slicing through the layers of quite plush black fruit, judiciously laced with tobacco and mint. There is a beguiling sense of harmony conveyed by this Pichon-Lalande and although there is clearly plenty of structure, the tannins are so pixelated and pliant that it might well be broachable in 4–5 years’ time. Personally, however, I would prefer to cellar it for 8–10 years (by which time I hope that the new Cure album is finally released). However long you decide to keep it tucked away, this is a quite brilliant Pauillac." -Neal Martin
Robert Parker
RP
97
"The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5%
Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol.
The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with
bold scents of baked plums, ripe blackcurrants, and wild blueberries, followed by hints of cedar chest, pencil
lead, bouquet garni and charcuterie, plus a waft of lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully crafted with
its seamless freshness and firm, grainy tannins supporting the compelling, finely knit black fruits and savory
nuances, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. This will need a good 5 years to come around and should
easily cellar for another 30 years or more." -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Jancis Robinson
JR
18
"71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby colour. Complex fruit
on the nose, both ripe cassis but also more floral and lifted fruit and a hint of white pepper. The structure and
depth of Cabernet Sauvignon drives the palate with fresh black fruits and bold but ripe tannins. Despite this
mouth-coating richness the real drive behind this wine leaves the impression of depth rather than breadth. A
profound wine with real ageing potential." -Tom Parker
Decanter
D
98
"Lovely grilled and graphite notes right off the bat; this is big and muscular, and extremely Pauillac. There is
grace here too, with raspberry purée, cassis, fig and blackberry fruits set against charcoal and fine tannins that
quickly build up to suggest how well this will age. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak used. 13%
press wine. 3" -Jane Anson
Wine Spectator
WS
98
"Offers a deep well of dark currant, blackberry paste and plum preserves fruit that needs time to unwind fully, as it’s shrouded in warm earth, tobacco, singed cedar, sweet bay leaf and savory notes. A ramrod of graphite
adds to the strident, structured feel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot." -- James Molesworth
Wine Enthusiast
WE
98
"This famous estate at the southern end of Pauillac has produced a powerful wine. Packed blackberry fruits, laced with acidity, are just starting out on a long journey along with the tannins. The wine’s elegance is beautifully preserved within the structure. With considerable potential, the wine should not be drunk before
2027." -Roger Voss
