Château Pichon-Long. Comtesse Lalande

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.

Deep ruby colour. Complex fruit on the nose, both ripe cassis but also more floral and lifted fruit and a hint of white pepper. The structure and depth of Cabernet Sauvignon drives the palate with fresh black fruits and bold but ripe tannins. Despite this mouth-coating richness the real drive behind this wine leaves the impression of depth rather than breadth. A profound wine with real ageing potential.