93 -94 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2012

This is really fantastic for the vintage with a wonderful balance and finesse, yet a firm impressive tannin structure. It's very long and pretty. This has less Petit Verdot in the blend than in past vintages. 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

John Sweeney, JJ Buckley, April 2012

78% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 12% cabernet franc, and 2% petite verdot. Independent sibling of Pichon-Baron, this 89-hectare estate borders Chateau Latour. Soils are gravel and clay over deep limestone and sandstone. Aged in 50% new French oak. Deep purple core. The nose exudes notes of blackberry, raspberry, and crushed rocks. The palate is all about finesse and elegance, as the tannins are ultra-refined and the finish is remarkably long. This wine is big, rich and balanced. Another very successful vintage at Pichon Lalande in an overall difficult year. Enjoy 2018-2030.

92 -94 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2012

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.

89 -92 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, May 2012

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.

93 -95 points,

Wine Enthusiast, May 2012

This is powered by tannins while also keeping its fresh fruit intact. There is a mineral texture that's layered with a juicy fruit character on the finish. - R.V.

92 -95 points,

Wine Spectator, January 2012

This has good intensity, with a very lively core of kirsch, steeped blackberry and dark currant flavors supported by lots of pain d'épices and licorice snap on the finish. Shows drive and length. –JM

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