Pichon Lalande 2011

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2011 Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande is an elegant, suave, medium-bodied effort with abundant black cherry and red and black currant fruit. Nearly St.-Julien-like in its texture and personality, this is a well-made, finesse-styled Pauillac to drink over the next 10-15 years.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The headline is that this vintage of Pichon Lalande has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever: 78% accompanied by 8% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is aged in 60% new oak and has an IPT of 75. It has a very strict bouquet, obviously dominated by the Cabernet with notes of blackcurrant, tobacco, graphite, a hint of Christmas cake and that tincture of blood orange evident in the second wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a linear, conservative entry that expands nicely in the mouth. It has fine acidity, good tension, fine weight but it is very tightly wound, more so than usual at this nascent stage. Leaving it aside, there is a hint of Lapsong Souchang and graphite towards the finish that shows a little hardness, but that should soften by the time of bottling. A very Pauillac-like Pichon, perhaps the little brother of the 1996? Tasted twice with consistent notes. Tasted April 2012.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Only 40% of the crop made it into the grand vin, which achieved 12.95% natural alcohol. The final blend for the 2011 Pichon Lalande was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Under the administration of the new owners, the Merlot component has been dramatically reduced in favor of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. A strong effort, the 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color and abundant aromas of black currants intermixed with unsmoked cigar tobacco, serious body, more concentration than most of the classified growths, and a bigger, more structured style that may suggest a subtle change in the winemaking philosophy at this estate. This impressive wine is one of the vintage’s most interesting efforts. It should drink well for 15-20 years.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

My impression is that the 2011 Pichon Lalande will have its day, one day. For now, big, burly tannins give the 2011 a decidedly monolithic feel. To be sure, there is plenty of fruit density and power lurking in the glass, but the 2011 needs more time in bottle before it starts showing at its best. Two thousand-eleven was marked by an unusual weather pattern in which spring was quite warm and dry, but then summer was cool.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Deep ruby. Musky, smoke-accented aromas and flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, violet and underbrush. Plush and full-bodied, with suave flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate, herbs and scorched earth. Shows good depth and density but doesn't have quite the length for outstanding.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Purple ruby. Perfumed aromas of spicecake, flowers and coffee. Chewy in texture and a bit peppery, with bright flavors of redcurrant, Christmas spices and oak. Finishes bright and long, with a repeating floral quality. This could use a little more flesh but offers lovely balance and is a very successful wine in the context of the vintage.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2011 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has an intriguing bouquet with blackberry, briary, mint, juniper and a touch of cassis that lends it a Margaux-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with a very tobacco-driven entry. Impressive depth, fleshier than expected, probably a Pauillac that will drink sooner than others. The shortcoming is just a slight lack of precision and persistency on the finish. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2011 Pichon-Lalande has a very strict, graphite-scented bouquet, poised and defined and gaining intensity all the time in the glass. You want it to give you more, though that would spoil the effect. The graphite tincture continues on the medium-bodied palate, and fine tannins lend a sense of airiness. This fans out nicely toward the finish to complete a finely made if rather conservative Pauillac. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.