Pichon Lalande 2008

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Pichon Lalande 2008 is backward on the nose: tightly coiled blackberry, raspberry, cedar and mint: classic Pauillac fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well knit, a little softer and more forward but very composed with a pure, velvety finish. This is a beautiful, filigree Pauillac that should repay extended cellaring. Tasted January 2012.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2008 is a beauty in the style of the 1988. Although not performing as well as I predicted last year, it is unquestionably an outstanding effort as well as one of the better values from Pichon Lalande in many years. Its dense plum/purple hue is accompanied by sweet aromas of red and black currants, charcoal, herbs, underbrush and a hint of truffles. This medium-bodied, rich, concentrated blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc is an elegant, supple Pichon Lalande that can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 2008 Pichon Lalande’s final blend was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Only 38% of the crop made it into the grand vin, and the result is a wine that blows away the 2005. Terrific texture and opulence, forward fruit, sweet tannin, and a lush personality are found in this dense purple-colored 2008 along with copious quantities of sweet berries, roasted coffee, underbrush, black currant, and black cherry fruit. Sensationally pure, textured, and full-bodied, this will be a flamboyant, showy offering in its youth, but it is capable of lasting 20-30 years. This is another top estate with very low yields (42 hectoliters per hectare) that achieved an atypically high alcohol level of 13%.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. A modern day classic? I think so, here, the wine transcending the potential it showed in barrel. The Pichon-Lalande has a fragrant, unassuming bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry and black plum. Well integrated oak here, with subtle cedar and graphite scents developing with time. Good definition. The palate has vibrant, animated entry with fiery red-berried fruits, superb acidity and wonderful harmony, cashmere tannins caressing the mouth. It lingers for an extraordinary amount of time on the back palate with real structure and focus. Hints of black pepper sprinkled on the aftertaste. Brilliant. Drink 2013-2040. Tasted October 2010.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

En primeur barrel sample. This has a deep garnet/purple colour. The nose is tightly-wound, ripe blackberry, plum, pencil shavings and a touch of green leaves. Moderate definition. This is quintessential Pichon-Lalande on the nose, lovely silky mouthfeel, very fine tannins, beautifully balanced, certainly not a powerful Pauillac, but very refined and elegant with blueberry, cassis and crushed stones. It just leaves the mouth lacquered in Cabernet. Wonderful – Pichon is on a roll! Tasted April 2009.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

Super-ripe black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2008 Pichon Lalande. The late harvest that year yielded a decidedly super-ripe, exotic Pichon Lalande with captivating inner sweetness and gorgeous textural finesse. Naturally, the 2008 is young. Very young. Even so, it is stunning. Readers looking for an under-the-radar vintage to cellar of Pichon Lalande will find tremendous satisfaction and pure pleasure in the 2008. An Indian summer saved what had up until that time been a rainy and not especially promising vintage.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(63% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 5% petit verdot; 13% alcohol; 42 hl/ha; 50% new oak) Opaque ruby-purple. Lovely violety nose offers hints of orange peel, minerals and dried herbs. Somewhat more fleshy and dense than recent vintages, with moderate depth to the raspberry and redcurrant flavors, but turns a little austere on the long finish. Will this develop the generosity to merit an outstanding rating?

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2008 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has an expressive, open bouquet that is more forward than I would have expected (indeed, there was more degradation on the rim than you would expect.) The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit laced with cedar and sea salt. I like the harmony and the fleshiness imparted by the Merlot towards the finish, although I expect Pichon Baron represents the longer-term prospect. This is more enjoyable than cerebral. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Deep red. Lively aromas of cherry, redcurrant, flowers, chocolate and tobacco. Intensely flavored, suave and sweet, with ripe acidity framing the flavors of bitter cherry, licorice and loam. Finishes with broad, building tannins and lingering smoky oak. This vibrant Pichon Lalande is built to age.