Reserve de la Comtesse 2020 represents the distinguished second wine of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a revered Deuxième Cru Classé estate in Pauillac. Sourced from specific parcels and younger vines within the estate's prestigious gravelly terroir, it offers an earlier-drinking expression of the Grand Vin's profound character.
The 2020 vintage, celebrated for its balance and concentration, allowed for optimal ripeness while retaining freshness. This Pauillac exemplifies the appellation's classic profile: a robust framework of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot, often with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine undergoes meticulous vinification and an oak ageing regime, typically with a judicious proportion of new oak, designed to impart complexity and structure without overshadowing the fruit's inherent purity. It is crafted to reflect the estate's commitment to precision and the distinctive typicity of its Left Bank origins.
Tasting notes
The 2020 Reserve de la Comtesse presents a deep ruby hue, hinting at its concentration. On the nose, an aromatic tapestry unfolds with classic Pauillac markers: ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and a graphite minerality, interwoven with nuances of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a subtle hint of vanilla from its oak maturation. The palate is medium to full-bodied, structured by fine-grained tannins that provide a firm yet elegant framework. A core of dark berry fruit is balanced by refreshing acidity, leading to a persistent finish marked by savoury complexity and a lingering sense of terroir. While approachable in its youth, this wine possesses the inherent balance and structure to evolve gracefully over the coming decade.