Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande 2008

Antonio Galloni, Vinous: 97 points
“Super ripe black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2008 Pichon Comtesse. The late harvest that year yielded a decidedly super-ripe, exotic Pichon Comtesse 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 Comtesse 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.”

La Revue du Vin de France: 96 points
“Very tasty and harmonious, with delicious and fresh fruit, it has become denser since the primeur tasting. It is supported by a little acidity and a mineral freshness on the finish.“

Robert Parker: 92 points
“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.”

Jancis Robinson: 17 points
“Dense crimson with a slightly weak rim. Scented, aromatic. Just 29% Merlot but this seems very fleshy and seductive. Not the firmest 2008 though there were dry tannins on the finish. A little lighter than some – a rather different, less dense wine than some more ambitious 2008 Pauillacs – but should give lots of pleasure. Very rich and round and flattering. There is ripeness and real charm here too. Impressive length.”