Bordeaux Area Vineyards - Pauillac - Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
A split estate
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply referred to as Pichon Lalande, is one of the most esteemed estates in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, neighboring the renowned Chateau Latour. The chateau's history is marked by the division of the larger Pichon Longueville estate in the mid-19th century, resulting in two separate properties: Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Pichon Longueville Baron (Pichon Baron). The division occurred when the founder's daughter, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, received the estate as a dowry, and it became known by its current name, acknowledging her role as the Comtesse de Lalande.
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Pichon Lalande is celebrated for producing wines that are among the most voluptuous and seductive in the Medoc, reflective of the estate's significant proportion of Merlot in the vineyards. This varietal composition leads to a style that is slightly softer and more approachable in youth than the archetypal Pauillac, yet the wines retain the power and structure for which the region is famous. The estate's vineyards, about 89 hectares in size, are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and are situated on deep gravel beds with sand and clay.
The chateau was classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, underscoring its high standing among the fine wines of Bordeaux. In the 20th century, under the direction of May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, Pichon Lalande gained a reputation for consistent quality and refinement. The estate has been owned by the Rouzaud family, also proprietors of the Champagne house Louis Roederer, since 2007, and they have continued to uphold and enhance the chateau's legacy.
Pichon Lalande's approach to winemaking is meticulous, with a focus on expressing the unique characteristics of each vintage. The wines are known for their rich, complex bouquets, with layered aromas of dark fruits, spices, and hints of cedar, often with a noticeable but well-integrated use of new oak. On the palate, Pichon Lalande offers a seamless combination of concentrated flavors, luscious texture, and a lively acidity that contributes to its elegance and longevity.
The chateau also produces a second wine, Réserve de la Comtesse, which is crafted to be enjoyed younger but still delivers the character and pedigree expected of the estate.
Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande remains a paragon of Pauillac, lauded for wines that artfully balance femininity and complexity, and it continues to be a benchmark for excellence in the Bordeaux region.
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