2018 Pichon Lalande
By Chateau Pichon Lalande
2018 Pichon Lalande from Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The splendid enclave of Pauillac within Bordeaux’s left bank has, in the 2018 Pichon Lalande from Chateau Pichon Lalande, presented an offering that veritably dances between power and elegance—a rare pas de deux indeed. Esteemed investors have long turned to this noble estate for both its majesty and consistency, qualities that flourish in this particular vintage.
Expertise Evident in Every Sip
In the realm of fine wines, the fusion of a well-established chateau's craft with a distinctive yearly terroir yields investment-worthy vintages that can captivate both the palate and the portfolio. Herein lies the magnetism of 2018 Pichon Lalande. The marriage of terrestrial elegance and vinicultural precision has, against the backdrop of an especially sunny Bordeaux vintage, created a liquid treasure rife with potential.
For those seeking an in-depth comparison of Bordeaux's finest years, explore our Bordeaux vintage chart for a comprehensive guide to the top Bordeaux vintages.
A Vintage Graced by Sunshine and Serendipity
The growing season which etched its narrative upon the vines of 2018 was one of extremes, from wet beginnings to gloriously warm summer days concluding in a serene September harvest. It is precisely this climatic alchemy that has bestowed upon the 2018 Pichon Lalande a structured yet sumptuous profile. Against such multifaceted weather patterns, Cabernet Sauvignon flourished, favouring those producers adept at dance on this high wire of horticulture.
On tasting, one is greeted with a symphony of dark blackcurrant, bolstered by suave tannins and a whisper of graphite – all seemingly spun together with fine threads of acidity. The precision here is paramount; akin to watching an adept archer hit a distant target with elegant ease.
For connoisseurs seeking to enrich their private collection or bolster their investment strategy, 2018 from Chateau Pichon Lalande stands out as one to observe closely. It is a vintage where radiant sunbeams wove their golden light into every bottle—a sanguine revelation ready for cellaring or eventual uncorking.
To encapsulate, while each year offers a different chapter in the storybook of Bordeaux vintages, 2018 has carved out its own legacy within the historic pages of Chateau Pichon Lalande’s annals. An overarching theme for oenophiles and investors alike when considering the 2018 Pichon Lalande is one's acknowledgment of its vivid expression amidst climatic generosity—yielding a wine as investable as it is consumable.
Market price (CAD)
$2,450.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
77.37
Scores and tasting notes
This has to be up there with one of the most seductive Comtesses on record with layers of alternating softness and concentration combined with a lot of 2016’s elegance and power. The nose on this stands out a mile, getting it right up on the podium before you even take a sip. Rich raspberries combine with peonies and curls of woodsmoke while the appellation’s signature slate, cedar, liquorice and tannic grip slowly builds up on the palate. I’ve tasted this several times with each conveying a juiciness and elegance that is quite different in style to many in Pauillac this year - it's a 98-100 for me, and I'm already looking forward to re-tasting it in bottle. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 60% new oak used. 13% press wine. 3.75pH, 88IPT – higher even than the 80IPT in 2016.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
A deep and intense young red with blackberries and blueberries, as well as green olives and hints of fresh tobacco. But really black fruit. Full-bodied, tight and integrated with a refreshing and harmonious finish. Just floating on the palate. Great tannin backbone to this. A classic. Another flying carpet.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
This one nails it in 2018, with saturated, almost sappy kirsch, plum and blackberry preserve flavors at the core, inlaid with sweet tobacco, singed vanilla, worn cedar and fresh earth notes. A bolt of graphite provides support. Concentrated, long and very complete. One of the high water marks of the vintage.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is made up of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol. Very deep purple-black colored, it is like hitting a brick wall to begin, needing considerable coaxing to start to reveal notes of crushed black cherries, warm blackberries, ripe blackcurrants and chocolate cake with nuances of violets, rose hip tea, charcuterie, tapenade and incense with wafts of new leather and iron ore. Full-bodied, concentrated and completely laden with tightly wound black fruit and savory layers, the palate gives a rock-solid backbone of firm, super ripe, super fine-grained tannins and soft background freshness, finishing very long with a veritable display of mineral fireworks.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot with a pH of 3.85, an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 87 and 14% alcohol. The grand vin represents 50% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it charges out of the gate with bold scents of baked plums, ripe blackcurrants and wild blueberries, followed by hints of cedar chest, pencil lead, bouquet garni and charcuterie, plus a waft of lilacs. The medium-bodied palate is beautifully crafted with its seamless freshness and firm, grainy tannins supporting the compelling, finely knit black fruits and savory nuances, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. This will need a good 5 years to come around and should easily cellar for another 30 years or more.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is powerful, dense and explosive, with a real sense of vertical lift that conveys energy. Grilled herbs, lavender, inky blue/purplish fruit and spice notes develop in the glass, but it is the wine's balance, purity of tannin and finish that stand out most. In 2018, so many wines lean towards extreme versions of themselves, but Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande remains very much within its classic parameters. The 2018 doesn't quite offer the visceral thrill of the very best recent vintages, but it comes very close. At its purest essence, the 2018 is very Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The en primeur sample is shown from 100% new oak, although the wine will have about 60% new wood. Tasted four times.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019