Chateau Pichon Lalande 2001
- Vintage
- 2001
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,Pauillac
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WS93, WA93
- Grape
- Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot
Sneaky, with a modest set of currant and tobacco aromas and a more expressive core of bramble, tar, singed cedar and warm fig paste flavors. Shows a sleekness through the finish, with a racy iron note underneath that gives this length and interesting contrast.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Best from 2020 through 2030. - WS93
A distinctive bouquet of violets, soy, pepper, blackberries, cassis, and tree bark gives this 2001 a singular style. This dense ruby/purple-colored blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and a whopping 14% Petit Verdot exhibits plenty of structure, wonderful sweetness, a closed style, but a rich, textured, persistent character. The unusually large percentage of Petit Verdot gives the wine more structure and less initial charm. This beauty needs some time in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. - WA93
The Pichon Longueville estate goes back to 1688-1689. In 1850, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Countess de Lalande, and her two sisters inherited three-fifths of the vineyard from their father. This took on the name of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1978, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe, in turn inherited this beautiful property and devoted herself entirely to continuing the tradition of quality wine.
Just two families have been responsible for maintaining this wine's superb reputation for three centuries. Bordering on Château Latour, Second Growth Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is located in the southern part of Pauillac, near Saint-Julien. The unusual choice of grape varieties (there is a much higher percentage of Merlot than average) is a partial explanation for this wine's outstanding personality, marked by elegance, balance and finesse. Traditional methods and modern technology combine to make the most of the estate's prestigious soil. The international reputation of this "Super Second" Growth can be attributed to unfailing quality and dynamic owners.