Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2006

Situated in the iconic Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a prestigious Second Grand Cru Classé estate. The winery was famously managed by May Eliane de Lencquesaing from 1978 until 2007, when it was acquired by the Rouzaud family, owners of the Louis Roederer Champagne house. Its winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in its history of feminine leadership, which is often credited for the wine's characteristic sensuality, elegance, and atypically high proportion of Merlot for the region.

Wine Description

The 2006 vintage presents a dense purple colour and a voluminous bouquet featuring aromas of black currants, chocolate, coffee, and cedar, with a subtle touch of smoke and violets. On the palate, the wine is rich, savoury, and full bodied, offering plump, fleshy fruit flavours of black cherries and boysenberry jam. This vintage is noted for being more 'masculine' than typical releases from the estate, with intense, dramatic tannins and a firm, muscular structure that remains harmonious and tensile. The final blend consists of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, notably omitting Petit Verdot in this particular year. While approaching its peak, it has an optimal drinking window extending to 2030 or 2035.

Accolades

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 95+ points

• Wine Spectator - 92 points

• James Suckling - 91 points