Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Reserve, Pauillac, France 2016

Comtesse de Lalande Réserve 2016 is an exceptional second wine from one of Pauillac’s most prestigious estates, delivering class, pedigree, and value from a superb Bordeaux vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, supported by Merlot and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, creating a wine of depth and elegance. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, cedar, and graphite carry into a polished palate with silky tannins, fresh acidity, and impressive balance. The 2016 vintage brings remarkable precision and structure, making this approachable now with decanting while offering excellent cellaring potential. Refined and classic, it is one of Bordeaux’s standout second wines.

"The 2016 Reserve de la Comtesse has a wonderful typicité on the nose, black fruit laced with pencil box and sous-bois scents, beautifully defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. Good weight, quite dense on the mid-palate, with a vibrant, spicy finish that has a very discreet dark chocolate edge. Give this another two or three years - an absolute corker of a Deuxième Vin. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting." Vinous 94