The 2019 Réserve de la Comtesse is a refined blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc from Pauillac on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. The second wine of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, an estate classified as a Second Growth in 1855, it offers an accessible introduction to the property’s elegant style. Known from this vintage as Pichon Comtesse Réserve, the wine combines Cabernet’s structure and aromatic definition with a generous proportion of Merlot for suppleness. Aged for 12 months in oak, including 40% new barrels, the 2019 balances ripe fruit with freshness and polished texture.
Expect blackberry, blackcurrant, ripe cherry and plum, complemented by cedar, graphite, floral notes and subtle chocolate and spice. The palate is generous yet structured, with fine tannins and fresh acidity giving definition to the fruit. James Suckling awarded the wine 93 Points in January 2022, highlighting its integrated tannins, polished finish and hints of walnut and hazelnut. Neal Martin rated it 92–94 Points for Vinous in an early assessment, praising its pure berry fruit, balance and saline detail. These reviews capture a particularly appealing second wine, combining the approachability of ripe Merlot with a recognisable Pauillac backbone.
