Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac 2025 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

The Louis Roederer champagne house acquired this highly renowned vineyard with the firm intention of restoring it—after a few disappointing vintages—to its status as a model grand cru. Significant efforts have been made in viticulture, increasingly inspired by organic farming; a state-of-the-art winemaking facility has been built; and the blends have emphasized the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon while retaining the contributions of the three other grape varieties, which give the wine its unique character. The wine has gained in vigor without losing its charm and finesse.

Part of the Rouzaud family (Louis Roederer champagnes) since 2007, the estate began a new chapter in its history nearly a decade ago. Under the leadership of Nicolas Glumineau, it has since re-entered the race for excellence and aims to reclaim the “super second” status it held in the 1980s, thanks to a series of legendary vintages (1982, 1986, 1989). While the 2000s were less successful, the most recent vintages—delivering a more precise and straightforward wine, with a stronger emphasis on Cabernet—are far more compelling.

A deep, vibrant red color with a rich bouquet. Aromas of blackcurrant and violet carry through to a medium-bodied palate with fine, linear tannins that are long and very refined. A wine characterized by its tannins, yet caressing on the palate. Lively and elegant, with good structure. 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Aromas of pure blackcurrant, aromatic herbs, spring flowers, and graphite emerge from the 2025 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande, a blend composed of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. It offers a medium-bodied to full-bodied palate, a perfectly balanced texture, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible finish. The balance, length, complexity, and sheer class of this wine are exceptional. It has an alcohol content of 13%, a pH of 3.7, and an IPT of 73. Hats off to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau for yet another absolutely sensational Comtesse!

What intensity and subtlety in this bouquet! What may seem paradoxical is, above all, exhilarating. The intensity does not overshadow the details—the many subtleties that Pichon Comtesse displays with such precision. The interplay between ripeness and freshness is masterfully executed, giving way to floral notes, followed by mint and a hint of garrigue, then classic notes of blueberries and blackberries. On the palate, the wine makes a commanding first impression. It is full-bodied and precise, with breadth while following a very linear progression. Its tannins emerge late, allowing them to support the wine’s character in a focused manner. Their aim is to guide the entire palate without needing to dominate. Their presence and serenity are more than enough! A wine shaped by its terroir, by its location, and by the men and women who interpret and sculpt it to craft a vision that is as contemporary as it is authentic. It embodies its identity with astonishing serenity, displaying an impressive ability to reveal its power gently and without fanfare—yet with such precision! 2033–2070

The intense floral bouquet immediately captivates the nose, before giving way to aromas of cigar wrapper, blackberries, cocoa, blackcurrant, chocolate, black cherries, and sweet spices. As enticing as that may be, it’s the palate that steals the show with its opulent and spectacular display of sweet, silky, and perfectly ripe berries, enhanced by notes of cocoa and sea salt. The intense finish is long, velvety, and vibrant. In short, everything is exactly where it should be. Thanks to its creamy character, this wine can be enjoyed young. But it can easily age for 30 to 40 years. In 2025, the three priorities were to remain focused and ready to harvest as soon as the grapes reached their ideal ripeness. Harvesting the Merlot “al dente” was also a key factor. Finally, exercising patience to allow the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full phenolic ripeness was crucial. In the cellar, minimizing pump-overs at the start of fermentation, followed by a maceration of the berries, was another key step. The blend consists of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. 13% alcohol. pH of 3.7. The harvest took place from August 28 to September 24. This marks the earliest start to the harvest in the history of Pichon Lalande. Yields were extremely low, at 24 hectoliters per hectare. Only 55% of the harvest was used for the Grand Vin. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, 65% of which are new. Best enjoyed between 2032 and 2070.