Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Reserve de la Comtesse 2016

The story of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande begins in the late 1600's. Pierre de Rauzan, who was the estate manager of Chateau Latour and also a wine merchant, began buying property in the Medoc region. Upon the marriage of his daughter to a member of the Baron de Pichon-Longueville family, She received land that soon became known as Chateau Pichon Longueville. It remained as one estate until the 1850s when the estate was divided. The male heirs received the Portion that will be known as Chateau Pichon Baron while the female heirs received the part known as Chateau Pichone Longueville Comtesse de Lalande or Chateau Pichon Lalande for short. In the 1920s, the estate was sold at auction to the Miailhe brothers. The family continued as owners of the property until 2007 when the property was sold to Champagne Louis Roederer.

Historically the wine contained a large percentage of Merlot in the blend making it one of the more approachable wines from Pauillac.

Reserve de la Comtesse made its debut in 1973. The second wine of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, it represent 20%-50% of the production at the Chateau. It is from the same soil, the second wine benefits from the technology and reputation of the Grand Vin.

Wine Spectator: 92
A touch old-school, featuring savory, tobacco and rosemary accents amid a core of concentrated black cherry, red currant and plum paste flavors. Slightly austere, with chalky minerality harnessing the finish. A savory edge peeks in at the last second. For fans of the style. Best from 2022 through 2035.

Wine Advocate: 90
The 2016 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with beautiful kirsch, cassis and redcurrants with hints of red roses, black tea, black pepper, chocolate box and cloves. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant and fresh with gorgeous silken tannins and loads of bright fruit, finishing spicy.

Wine Advocate: 90

The 2016 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with beautiful kirsch, cassis and redcurrants with hints of red roses, black tea, black pepper, chocolate box and cloves. The palate is medium-bodied, very elegant and fresh with gorgeous silken tannins and loads of bright fruit, finishing spicy.

Decanter: 92
An incredibly luscious, gorgeously balanced and rich Réserve de la Comtesse. They picked right up until the light October rain, waiting until it had passed before continuing. Those extra few days have contributed to the particularly soft and silky quality of the tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon, which have a gorgeous density to them. This is a serious wine that could stand up against many Médoc grand vins. The blend here is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

Decanter: 92

An incredibly luscious, gorgeously balanced and rich Réserve de la Comtesse. They picked right up until the light October rain, waiting until it had passed before continuing. Those extra few days have contributed to the particularly soft and silky quality of the tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon, which have a gorgeous density to them. This is a serious wine that could stand up against many Médoc grand vins. The blend here is 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

Vinous: 93
The 2016 Rserve de la Comtesse is a serious second wine. Dark, ample and voluptuous, the Comtesse will give readers a very good idea of the style and quality of the vintage, namely the interplay of fruit, aromatic freshness and tannin that makes this vintage so compelling. Inky dark and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice and lavender are some of the notes that infuse the huge finish. Silky, polished tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. Don't miss it. Tasted three times.

Vinous: 93

The 2016 Rserve de la Comtesse is a serious second wine. Dark, ample and voluptuous, the Comtesse will give readers a very good idea of the style and quality of the vintage, namely the interplay of fruit, aromatic freshness and tannin that makes this vintage so compelling. Inky dark and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice and lavender are some of the notes that infuse the huge finish. Silky, polished tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. Don't miss it. Tasted three times.

James Suckling: 94
The stunning, ripe dark berries and plums on the nose are attractively dressed and deliver a wealth of assertively rich and juicy dark-fruit flavors on the palate, in balanced and elegant yet powerful style. The best Réserve de la Comtesse for some time. Second wine of Château Pichon-Lalande. Try from 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92
From a vintage compared to 1996 and 2009, both terrific yet different vintages, the 2016 Reserve de la Comtesse is a beauty with a classic Cabernet nose of blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil, and flowers. It's medium-bodied, supple, incredibly elegant, and seamless on the palate, with loads of charm and character. It's another second wine that delivers the goods.