Since 2012 Ch Pichon Lalande has been under the consummate guidance of Nicolas Glumineau (previously of Chx Haut-Brion and Montrose) and is heading in a very exciting direction. They are consistently raising their game, claiming their rightful place at the front of the line-up of Super Seconds.
If great wine is made in the vineyard, at Pichon Lalande they are twice blessed. Firstly they have the advantage of a naturally outstanding terroir, with vineyards abutting Ch Latour. Secondly, since Louis Roederer’s takeover in 2006, the vineyards have undergone a programme of gradual but steady renewal, ensuring a perfect marriage of soil and grape variety on a plot by plot basis. Their state-of-the-art winery allows them to vinify each parcel individually no matter how small to obtain the optimum expression for the vintage.
This is a gorgeously rich wine with a profound Cabernet character of blackcurrant and graphite. In addition to its classic Pauillac backbone and tannic structure the 2015 has a real drive and precision.
What an experience, this will be a sensational wine in time. Delicious. David Roberts MW, 96-98
A dazzling, towering wine… Simply put, the 2015 is one of the wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni, 96-98
I am hesitant to employ an over-used phrase but this really was one of the stars of the Left Bank tastings. Last year demand for Pichon Lalande quickly outstripped availability so, if you would like a case, don’t delay.
Ch Pichon Lalande 2ème Grand Cru Classé Pauillac 2015
£995 per 12 bottles IB
£1,005 per 6 magnums (150cl) IB
This gorgeous wine was most definitely one of the highlights of the week. From the minute you smell the harmoniously perfumed aromas of dark cherries and plum fruits, it is obvious a treat is in store. A beauty with flavours of damsons and forest fruits, this is so stylish, combining the Pichon polish and grace with the subtle tension and backbone of all great Pauillacs. What an experience, this will be a sensational wine in time. Delicious. Drink 2023-2040. Goedhuis, Score: 96-98
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. Neal Martin, Score: 95-97
Winemaker Stephanie Danglade described Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as ‘hearts’ and Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc as the ‘links’. While both of these links were considered to be better this year, selection was important and they play a huge part in this wine. The press wine (12%) was very good quality, too, and it has a marked effect on the final blend. 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 and more immediate than I thought it would be, it’s also worth noting that in spite of its exuberance the tannins are here for the long run, too. Matthew Jukes, Score: 18.5
A dazzling, towering wine, the 2015 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has put on considerable weight in just the last few months. Today, the 2015 is vivid and intense, with a huge backbone of tannin and marvelous complexity. In 2015, the Cabernet Sauvignon is pushed higher as the Merlot was less consistent in its ripening. Graphite, charcoal, tobacco, crème de cassis and new leather are some of the signatures in what is shaping up to be a super-classic Pichon-Lalande. Simply put, the 2015 is one of the wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni, Score: 96-98
