ChateauPichon-LonguevilleComtessedeLalande,Pauillac2018

The estate was founded in 1689 by Pierre de Mazure de Rauzan and the vineyard acquired its name a few years later when his daughter Thérèse received it as part of her dowry on her marriage to Jacques de Pichon Longueville, the first President of the Parliament of Bordeaux.In 1850, the estate was divided amongst the five children of Baron Joseph, however only two of his children finally inherited the vineyards. Raoul took the plot destined for the two sons, while Virginie took the plot for the three daughters. From then on, the lands of Pichon Longueville would have two very different futures. Virginie married Count Henri de Lalande, giving her the title Comtesse de Lalande, and took over control of the Domaine. Her passion and the quality of her management made her a strong personality in the Médoc and she very much left her mark on the estate. In the 1855 classification Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande acquired the status of Deuxième Cru Classé.rrThe 89 hectares (220 acres) of this vineyard border the property of Château Latour and stretch south of Pauillac towards the Commune of St Julien, whence it gets its extraordinary charm. The exceptional character of the wines produced here is distinguished by their elegance and finesse. This is due to a harmonious balance of different grape varietals: the vineyards are made up of 35% Merlot (a very high percentage for this appellation) to give roundness and suppleness; 45% Cabernet Sauvignon to provide longevity; 12% Cabernet Franc for finesse; 8% Petit Verdot to ensure a certain freshness and aromatic complexity.rrVinification: To produce the wine of Chateau Pichon Lalande, the vinification takes place in 70, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats that vary in size that range from as small as 50 hectoliters and increase in size to 50, 70, 80, 120 and even 150 hectoliter vats. This allows for very precise fermentation work. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. Aged 50% new oak for 18 months.rrWeather in 2018: After a cold and wet Winter, the bud break was late, around mid-April. A relatively mild April to June allowed for flowering at the end of May, marked by several storms in this period creating an unparalleled pressure of mildew. Pichon Comtesse vineyard, thankfully had little coulure and was spared hail damage. Hot and dry weather from mid-July resulted in a uniform veraison; beginning on July 28th for the Merlot, it finishes on August 14th for the Cabernet and Petit Verdot. From September 13th to October 11th, the harvest was carried out in excellent conditions and each parcel was picked at optimum ripeness.rrTechnical Information: rVineyards: AOC Pauillac, BordeauxrGrape Varieties: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc & 1% Petit VerdotrAging: 18 months in 60% new oak barrelsrWinemaker: Frédéric Rouzaud & Nicolas GlumineaurSoil Composition: Gravel, clay and sandrAverage Vine Age: 35 yearsrAlcohol: 14%rpH: 3.75rDrink: Now to 2040rrTasting Note: This has to be up there with one of the most seductive Comtesses on record with layers of alternating softness and concentration combined with a lot of 2016’s elegance and power. The nose on this stands out a mile, getting it right up on the podium before you even take a sip. Rich raspberries combine with peonies and curls of woodsmoke while the appellation’s signature slate, cedar, liquorice and tannic grip slowly builds up on the palate. â€?Tasted by Jane Anson