Pichon Lalande 1994

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A less impressive magnum following Bordeaux Index's 2000 tasting. Deep garnet colour. Dark cherry, autumn leaves, sandalwood and a touch of tobacco on the nose that displays fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins more pronounced than the bottle tasting in December 2008, a little coarser, sharp acidity but still very fresh. Masculine with touches of tobacco and cigar box. You know, I think bottles may actually be better than larger formats. Drink now. Tasted March 2010.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: William Kelley

The 1994 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is drinking beautifully, soaring from the glass with a classic bouquet of briary black fruits, cigar ash, fresh tobacco and loamy soil. Medium-bodied, supple and seamless, with melting tannins and a fleshy core of fruit, it's an immensely charming, notably over-performing vintage for this estate that's in its prime today.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pichon-Lalande vertical in London. Six years on since our last encounter, the nose has certainly softened in the interim, but has retained those pencil lead and tobacco aromas. It seems to have dried out a little, as one might expect for a modest vintage. The palate has similarly softened, the Cabernet making way for a fleshier Merlot texture, quite sharp acidity, a little tart in fact with leafy, cigar box finish. It is still imbued with good weight and length, although there is a hint of volatility just creeping in towards the finish. Drink now-2014. Tasted December 2008.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Deep ruby colour. A lovely, ripe nose of blackberry, tobacco, cassis and pencil lead – classic Pauillac. Fine concentration on the palate that is conservative and tannic. Opened in the glass with a surprisingly long finish. Very fine. Tasted October 2002.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

One of the stars of the vintage, this opaque purple-colored wine possesses a gorgeously perfumed, exotic, smoky, blackcurrant, Asian spice, and sweet vanillin-scented bouquet. It is followed by thick, rich, moderately tannic flavors that exhibit medium to full body, good structure, outstanding purity, and a classically layered, long, pure finish. This terrific Pichon-Lalande should evolve effortlessly for 18-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Pichon-Lalande's 1994 should not be forgotten in the rush to buy the sumptuous, superstar 1995. I tasted the former wine three times in late March and it was superb on each occasion. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by a captivating nose of sweet, jammy red and black fruits, vanilla, caramel, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, with a sweet mid-palate crammed with fruit, this beautifully-textured, voluptuous wine possesses superb concentration, outstanding balance, and a long, rich finish. There are no hard edges (unusual for a 1994), so I suspect this wine will be delicious to drink in its youth. The stuffing and power are present for two decades of evolution. To put it in the context of other recent Pichon-Lalande vintages, it is vastly superior to the 1990, as well as richer than the 1988 and 1985! All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Pichon-Lalande has fashioned one of the great successes of the vintage. Only 50% of the harvest was utilized in the final blend, which consists of 35% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit-Verdot. On the three occasions I tasted the 1994 it was consistently glorious, exhibiting a saturated purple color, and a stunningly pure, rich nose of black raspberries and cassis intermingled with scents of smoke, licorice, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied, with a wonderful sweet mid-palate, this powerful, authoritatively-flavored, elegant, complex wine possesses sweet tannin, gorgeous delineation to its component parts, and a finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. It is hard to compare the 1994 to other recent Pichon-Lalande vintages. It does not possess the weight or softness of the 1982 or 1983, but it is more concentrated and rich than the 1985 or 1990, more approachable and flattering than the 1986, and more structured than the 1989. For Pichon-Lalande fans, 1994 will be a must purchase. Proprietor Madame de Lencquesaing informed me there is now a third label being produced so the second wine, Comtesse de Lalande, will not contain every cuvee deemed unacceptable for the grand vin. The 1994 Pichon-Lalande should drink well in 4-5 years and last for 20-25. Very Impressive!