Pichon Comtesse Réserve

This second wine represents 41% of the crop. Composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Reserve de la Comtesse springs from the glass with vibrant scents of ripe blackcurrants, black raspberries and baked plums, plus suggestions of pencil lead, cedar chest, ground cloves and lilacs. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly crafted with fine-grained tannins and lovely freshness nicely framing the delicate fruit, finishing earthy.

Tasted blind. Minty sweet. Nice and layered and zesty, with good drive. There is flesh here.

Aromas of dried violets, blackcurrants, oyster shells, ink and bitter chocolate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Concentrated and tight with an nicely austere finish. Needs a few years to soften. Second wine of Pichon Lalande. Try from 2025.