Pichon Lalande 1998

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Fifty percent of Pichon-Lalande's production went into the grand vin, which includes 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. This is hardly an inspirational Pichon-Lalande. The color is a medium deep ruby. The nose offers up notes of herbs, black currants, and toast. On a positive note, it is elegant and soft, but not particularly concentrated, with medium body, and an abrupt finish. It will be good, possibly very good, but it is not an exciting effort. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2010.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1998 Pichon-Lalande was revealing more depth and sweeter tannin than it did last year. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, it reveals herbaceous cedary notes, along with red and black currants. Black fruits are attractive on the attack, but the wine narrows in the mouth, exhibiting a monolithic style and dry, hard tannin in the finish. It is a Pichon-Lalande with grip, structure, and obvious aging potential, but will it ever reveal the charm and succulence this classified growth generally achieves? Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1998 Pichon Lalande has moderate intensity on the nose, just missing a little precision, with a dusty quality that I cannot get past, then becoming more tobacco scent but not married with the muted fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, lacking a little harmony like the 2002, the tannins slightly coarse with a spicy, peppery finish. Quite masculine, assertive but perhaps too foursquare at the moment. Drink 2010-2020. Tasted September 2008.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pichon-Lalande vertical in London. Quite a deep garnet core with crimson rim (wider than the 2000.) The nose is pleasant if lacking a little vigour: blackberry, sous-bois, a touch of cigar box and cedar, although it seems a little hollow in the middle, as if a major aroma has gone missing. The palate is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, quite elegant although lacking real fruit concentration and depth. Quite sharp, almost citrus acidity with strong tobacco flavours coming through on the mid-palate, leading to a slightly austere finish. It has a classic, traditional charm, although it is a medium-term Pichon rather than long, plus it lacks a little chutzpah. Drink now-2018. Tasted December 2008.

robert_parker

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This was showing terribly. A dry unappealing nose. Lacks depth and class. Very classic pencil-lead note on the palate but lean and lacking ripeness. Lacks fruit concentration and any style and harmony. I should retaste as this should be much better. Tasted May 2000.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Aromas of tobacco smoke, cedar, cherries, and black currants emerge from the moderately intense, complex bouquet. This wine has evolved nicely, revealing less austerity than it did last year in its medium-weight, delicate personality. Drink it over the next 15-16 years.