Pichon Lalande 2007

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. I must admit that I am not a great fan of this vintage for Pichon-Lalande, which should be better. The 2007 has a rather leafy bouquet with raspberry, blackberry and a touch of tobacco, although it would benefit from more vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy entry, not a wine of great breeding but there is good depth of flavour, although the finish is a little linear and one-dimensional. Fine, if you can abide by a little greenness. Tasted January 2011.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the UGC in London. This has a lighter nose than the Pichon-Baron, a little herbaceous, graphite, a touch of cut grass, gaining intensity in the glass but rather overawed by the aforementioned neighbour. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly disjointed on the entry with dried herbs, cedar, graphite, a touch of black pepper. I think this is going through an awkward phase at the moment…leave it for 2-3 years at least. Drink 2013-2020. Tasted November 2009.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A bright purple colour. The nose is rather compact, slightly lean with notes of blackberry, Morello, smoke and a stalky element. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins more noticeable compared to previous vintages, with blackberry, earth, graphite and a touch of iodine. The finish has a little more weight, but like other Pauillacs it is rather mean on the finish at first, although with time in glass it gains more cohesion and reveals some fine tannins and great purity of fruit. A delicate peppery quality towards the finish. I have a feeling this could turn around and surprise me because the longer it stays in the glass, the better it becomes. But for the moment I will be prudent with my score. Tasted April 2008.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Pichon Lalande’s 2007 is a seductive, dark ruby/plum-tinged wine displaying sweet cocoa, white chocolate, black currant, and foresty notes, medium body, a velvety texture, and a delicious style. The final blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink it over the next decade.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a little underwhelming on the nose considering its peers, showing some signs of under-ripeness that jars against the black, cedar-tinged fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, tobacco-stained red berry fruit to the fore and with decent weight on the rather leafy finish. It actually finishes better than it begins, although it is difficult to envisage any improvement down the line. Tasted February 2017.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Rated - No tasting note given.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

Another surprise in this part of the tasting, the 2007 Pichon Lalande is an excellent choice for drinking now, as the aromatics have started to open up nicely. Hints of sweet tobacco, sage and herb all lift from the glass. There is more than enough depth to support another 15-20 years of fine drinking. The 2007 is not a big wine, but instead makes a compelling case for itself with striking aromatic intensity, silky tannins and that most elusive quality of all: balance. This is very nicely done, especially within the context of a year marked by a cool and wet summer.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Bright ruby-red. Enticing aromas of plum, dark cherry, bitter chocolate, licorice, coffee and sexy smoky oak. Then juicy but a bit lean in the mouth, with good energy but modest texture to its dark berry and licorice flavors. Boasts good energy and precision but today the wine's tannins overwhelm the fruit and the finish shows a slightly tart quality. Will this expand with bottle aging?

vinous90

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(a blend of 58% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Lively aromas and flavors of cassis, black raspberry, leather, menthol, bitter chocolate, violet and mint. Sweet, fresh and pure, with good intensity and depth of flavor. This spreads out horizontally to coat the palate, finishing with lovely subtle persistence. Very suave, scented wine. The grand vin represents a 46% selection. (A second sample was a bit more smoky and not quite as vibrant or pristine.)