Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2012

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.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Intense black currant fruitiness makes this wine unabashedly forward. The palate bears weighty tannins behind that fruit, resulting in a wine that is already quite balanced and structured. Barrel Sample: 94-96

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2012 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is a beautiful, elegant wine in this slightly more challenging vintage (at least for the northern Médoc) and is well worth cellaring and drinking. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it has classic Pauillac lead pencil notes as well as plenty of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and cedar. Medium-bodied, forward, and seamless on the palate, it shows the classic elegance of this estate, has ripe tannins, and is already impossible to resist. Enjoy this solid 2012 Pauillac over the coming 15-20 years.

92 Points - Wine Spectator

A gutsy, terroir-driven style, with briar-edged grip carrying notes of macerated black currant fruit, fig and plum sauce. This shows lots of dark anise through the finish, along with notes of roasted apple wood and a hint of cassis bush. Delivers excellent range, purity and energy. Best from 2018 through 2027. 10,000 cases made.

90 Points - Wine Advocate

The grande dame, the 2012 Pichon Lalande represents only 50% of their harvest production. It has soft, round tannins, endearing elegance, and up-front fruit. It is not a blockbuster, but its lush, richly fruity style is charming and seductive, with raspberry, blueberry, mocha and blackcurrant fruit and a deep ruby/purple color. This medium-bodied, supple-textured wine is surprisingly precocious and forward, and therefore best drunk over the next 15 years. The final blend was 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.