2010 Pichon Lalande
By Chateau Pichon Lalande
2010 Pichon Lalande from Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The vintage of 2010 is often spoken of with a hushed reverence among circles of Bordeaux aficionados. It was a year that presented us with a suite of wines known for their structure and potential longevity, and among these, the 2010 Pichon Lalande from Chateau Pichon Lalande distinguishes itself with a sublime finesse.
Elegance and Power: A Vintage to Cherish
The conditions of 2010 brought about a harmonious balance between acidity and ripeness, providing an exceptional foundation upon which the 2010 Pichon Lalande flourishes. This exemplary offering from one of Pauillac's most lauded estates presents an alluring bouquet that gracefully entwines dark berries with an earthy graphite essence, reminiscent of wet stones after a rain. It bears the indelible mark of Pauillac terroir, combining potency with elegance in a dance of sensory delight.
Bearing Witness to the Weather’s Whims
Much significance can be attributed to how the climatic ballet of 2010 expedited the concentration and complexity within the grapes. A notably dry August encouraged the deepening of flavours, while September's cool evenings assured a measured progression towards impeccable phenolic maturity. One encounters in the glass not merely a wine, but a liquid chronicle that epitomises both the resilience and vulnerability of viticulture against nature's canvas.
The 2010 Pichon Lalande stands as a pre-eminent expression of cabernet sauvignon’s nobility when caressed by merlot's softness. On the palate, it unfurls with precise tannins that portend an impressive evolution over time. Not unlike a well-curated library of classics, this wine promises to captivate those patient investors who comprehend the profound beauty inherent in anticipation.
In conclusion, when considering wines as part of an investment portfolio or personal cellar, the 2010 Pichon Lalande positions itself emphatically amongst those deserving recognition. Its articulate expression of time and place marks it out as one emblematic vintage, amply rewarding both the connoisseur’s knowledge and the collector’s patience.
Market price (CAD)
$3,774.63
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
151.2
Scores and tasting notes
A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the Pichon Lalande has a generous blackberry and cassis-driven bouquet that is pure and harmonious. It is floral compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a caressing, creamy textured opening that is very seductive. The oak is nicely integrated here – a flattering 2010 in the context of the vintage with a sensual, silky smooth finish. It is a little more open than I was expecting, but it will still benefit from three to five years cellaring. Perhaps this is one of the few Pauillacs where I err towards the 2009, yet this still represents a superb wine from the estate. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
The 2010 Pichon Lalande is performing extremely well and at the top of the range I predicted several years ago. A final blend dominated much more by Cabernet Sauvignon than usual (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot), the wine is a tighter, more tannic and structured version of this famed Pauillac, which often tends to have more of a St-Julien-like personality than most Pauillacs. Structured, backward and tannic, yet showing a fat mid-palate that is more savory, broader and more expansive than I remember from barrel, this wine is somewhat reminiscent of the 1986, given the Cabernet Sauvignon domination of the blend. Full-bodied, impressively endowed, and less sexy and velvety than normal, this is a somewhat different style of Pichon Lalande than most readers have been used to. Whether you like it more or less will depend on your point of view, but this wine, unlike most Pichon Lalandes, needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for 30+ years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
This is a pretty and refined Pichon Lalande. Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of earth and mushrooms. Full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. I slightly prefer the 2009. Better in 2017.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 3rd 2013
Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande gives up notes of warm cassis, blueberry pie and kirsch with wafts of cedar chest, pencil lead, charcoal and charcuterie plus a hint of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied, the savory-inspired palate possesses a fair bit of chew with a lively backbone and firm finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020