Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 95-97
The 2025 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande was picked from August 28, the earliest ever, finishing on September 23, matured in 66% new oak, the rest one-year-old. It has a taut and linear nose, very classic in style, graphite/pencil lead scents that permeate the black fruit. Beautiful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. A little more structured and austere than the more Merlot-driven vintages of old. Yet as it unfurls in the glass, it reveals the level of sophistication and precision you now come to expect from this Pauillac Second Growth. At 13.1% alcohol, this is lower than other recent vintages.
Anticipated maturity: 2032-2060
Antonio Galloni 96-98
The 2025 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a total stunner. A wine of depth and intensity, it soars out of the glass with layers of nuance and complexity. The 2025 has it all: aromatics, fruit density and structure to match. Pichon Comtesse is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage.
Anticipated maturity: 2035-2075
Jeff Leve 98-100
The intense floral bouquet kicks off the nose before getting to all of its cigar wrappers, blackberries, cocoa, cassis, chocolate, black cherries, and gentle spices in the aromas. As good as that is, the palate steals the show with its opulent, showy display of sweet, silky, perfectly ripe berries, with touches of cocoa, and sea salt. The intense finish is long, velvety, and vibrant. In short, everything is exactly where it should be. Due to its creamy nature, the wine can be enjoyed young. But it can age for 30-40 years easily. With 2025, the top three things to keep track of was staying focused and ready to pick once the grapes achieved their ideal ripeness was imperative. Picking the Merlot al dente was another key factor. Lastly, being patient for the Cabernet Sauvignon to achieve full, phenolic ripeness sealed the deal. In the cellars, less pump overs early in the fermentation, followed by an infusion of the berries was another key point. The wine blends 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV. 3.7 pH. The harvest took place August 28 – September 24. This is the earliest start to a harvest in the history of Pichon Lalande. Yields were a paltry 24 hectoliters per hectare. Only 55% of the harvest went into the Grand Vin. The wine is aging in 65% new, French oak barrels. Drink from 2032-2070.
Jeb Dunnuck 97-99
Pure cassis, leafy herbs, spring flowers, and graphite all emerge from the 2025 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande, a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. It’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and an incredible finish. The balance, length, complexity, and pure class here are exceptional. It hit 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 and an IPT of 73. Hats off to director Nicolas Glumineau for another absolutely sensational Comtesse!
