Pichon Lalande 1997

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Readers will enjoy the 1997 Pichon-Lalande. Its dark ruby color is accompanied by luscious, black cherry and currant fruit intermixed with notes of mocha, smoke, and toast. The wine displays excellent richness, a sweet, expansive mid-palate, medium body, and a supple finish. It will provide ideal drinking during its first 10-12 years of life. Restaurants and readers who are unable to defer their gratification, take notice!

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

It seems to me that Pichon-Lalande aimed for an elegant style of wine in 1997, avoiding any attempt to over-extract. Consequently, it turned out a wine with more depth, but also astringent tannin. It is an elegant, medium-bodied Pichon-Lalande that will drink well young. If it puts on a bit more weight and intensity, it will merit a slightly higher score. This estate's harvest took place between September 19 and early October. Only 40% of the production was considered good enough for the grand vin. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and a whopping 10% Petit Verdot, the wine exhibits a dark ruby color, followed by a forward, sweet black cherry and cassis-scented nose, and fleshy, medium-bodied, open-knit, low acid flavors. The finish is slightly short, but the wine is stylish, graceful, and easy to drink and understand. It should age well for 10-12 years. An expressive wine aromatically, with light tannin in the finish, Pichon-Lalande's 1997 is a captivating and pleasing wine, but to put it in perspective, it is not comparable to the fabulous 1996 and 1995, or even the underrated, impressive 1994.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pichon-Lalande vertical in London. This has a little more definition on the nose than the 1991. Blackberry, a touch of bilberry, a little iodine, lovely definition although note complex…but quite backward. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sappy and fleshy, nice weight with a more red fruit profile, redcurrant and wild strawberry. The acidity lends this good tension and poise although there is a touch of coarseness towards the savoury/boysenberry and molasses-tinged finish. But as 1997s go, this is very commendable. Drink now-2015. Tasted June 2009.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted three times. At the chateau in July 2003: the nose still seems somewhat reticent. But the palate is well knit, smooth with a touch of eucalyptus with a cedar-tinged finish. A light Pichon Lalande, which is ready to drink now but should last over five years. In October 2003: this time the nose more open with classic pencil-lead and tobacco aromas. The palate has moderate tannins, cedar with soft, supple texture. Probably will approach its peak in a year or two. A very fine Pauillac though without ageing potential.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This hedonistic, luscious, sexy, opulently-textured Pichon-Lalande is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Exhibiting a dark ruby color with purple nuances, it is open-knit, with plentiful quantities of roasted herbs, smoky oak, vanillin, and creamy black currant fruit. A lush texture, low acidity, and an accessible, velvety-textured style will have many admirers. Consume it over the next decade.