Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2021

The liveliness and richness of a Pauillac red wine

The estate

A Second Grand Cru Classé of Pauillac, the beautiful Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande shines bright on the left bank of Bordeaux. In 2007, Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande started a new chapter in its history when it became part of the Rouzaud family, owners of the prestigious Louis Roederer Champagne House.

The vineyard

A benchmark among Pauillac wines, Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande reigns over a 102-hectare vineyard, of which 75 hectares are used for production. The soils are composed of gravelly hilltops on sandy-clay subsoils, which benefit the vines, which are 30 years old on average. Converting to organic farming, the vineyard has been in the process of obtaining a biodynamic certification on 30 hectares of vines since 2021.

The vintage

A mild and wet winter favoured the budding of the vines at the end of March. The dry and cool conditions in April and May slowed down the development of the vine and caused some run-off. Although the mild weather in June ensured an even flowering period and a sudden growth spurt in the vineyard, the heavy rainfall led to strong disease pressure, particularly affecting the young Merlot vines during the fruit set. Throughout the summer, the cool weather combined with high humidity increased the pressure of mildew and slowed down the veraison.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification by plot. Vatting by gravity. Double-walled, thermo-regulated, truncated cone-shaped vats. Aged in barrels for 18 months (60% new) with medium toasting. Traditional racking à l’esquive.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (88%)

Cabernet Franc (10%).

Merlot (2%).

Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The nose reveals the appellation’s typical cedar fragrances, with notes of graphite, blackcurrant, morello cherry, peony and violet.

Palate

Complex and well-structured, the palate harmoniously combines an intense fruity expression (blackberry, Morello cherry) with aromas of praline and cocoa beans. The palate is seduced by this wine’s precise tannins that weave into a lively and flavoursome finish.