Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2011

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is the Grand Vin of this historic Pauillac estate, crafted from estate-grown fruit on Bordeaux's Left Bank. Renowned for its elegance, depth and refined structure, it offers exceptional ageing potential while expressing the distinctive gravel terroir of Pauillac.

Food Pairing: Pairs best with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast, venison, mushroom dishes, braised short ribs and aged hard cheeses.

94 Points - Wine Advocate

Only 40% of the crop made it into the grand vin, which achieved 12.95% natural alcohol. The final blend for the 2011 Pichon Lalande was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Under the administration of the new owners, the Merlot component has been dramatically reduced in favor of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. A strong effort, the 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color and abundant aromas of black currants intermixed with unsmoked cigar tobacco, serious body, more concentration than most of the classified growths, and a bigger, more structured style that may suggest a subtle change in the winemaking philosophy at this estate. This impressive wine is one of the vintage’s most interesting efforts. It should drink well for 15-20 years.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Don’t be fooled by the easy fruitiness of this delicious wine, because underneath the blackberry flavors is a powerfully tannic structure. Opulent and dense, it promises considerable aging. Drink this complex wine from 2018.

93 Points - James Suckling

A 2011 with blackberry, dark-chocolate and smoked-meat character. Full body, silky tannins and a long, intense finish. All about balance and polish. Very fine. Needs three to four years to soften. Try in 2017.

91 Points - Wine Spectator

Warm savory and tobacco leaf notes lead the way, with a cedary frame surrounding the lightly mulled plum and cherry fruit. Cassis bush and tobacco accents are embedded on the finish. Very solid, but lacks extra drive.