Chateau Pichon Lalande 2017 (RP96)

Country:             France
Region:               Pauillac Rating:                 RP96, WS96, WE95, JS94
Grape Variety:  70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Type of Wine:   Red Wine
Bottle Size:        750ml

By Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 96
Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is a little closed to begin, soon revealing floral notes of lilacs and lavender over a core of black raspberries, warm blackberries and forest floor plus touches of star anise and stewed black tea. Medium-bodied, the palate is a bundle of energy and tension with softly played tannins and beautiful floral and black fruit layers, finishing with a long-lingering whisper.

Wine Spectator 96
A sleek, precisely dialed-in Pauillac, with a pure and racy beam of cassis, blackberry and dark plum fruit inlaid with a mouthwatering iron note. A backdrop of singed alder and sweet tobacco waits in reserve, while the finish sails through with great cut. Possesses a regal feel. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Wine Enthusiast 95
This smoky wine is structured and full of dry tannins. Acidity comes with the black-currant fruits that are slow to develop but will get there. Drink this wine from a great estate from 2024.

James Suckling 94
A tight, compact young Bordeaux with medium body, polished and round tannins and a medium finish. Not a big wine, but some very classy currant and raspberry character and just a hint of lead pencil and polished structure. Drink after 2022.