The 2016 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, it is a red wine sealed with a cork closure and has an alcohol content of 13.5%. This vintage has garnered rave reviews from several esteemed wine critics, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional offering.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 98, praising its "glorious aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and flowers, from violets to roses" and noting its "iron and rust undertones." He remarked that it is "full-bodied, dense and very layered with loads of richness," suggesting that it will reach its peak around 2025 (jamessuckling.com).
Wine Spectator rated it 97, describing it as "saturated with dark currant, fig and blackberry compote flavors" and highlighting its "fleshy, nearly glycerin feel." The review also mentions "singed cedar, tobacco leaf, dark earth and cassis bush flavors," concluding with a "terrific tug of cast iron" at the end. They recommend enjoying this wine from 2025 through 2040 (Wine Spectator).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave an outstanding score of 100, calling it "one of the greatest wines that this estate has produced in the modern era." William Kelley noted its "huge concentration, bright acids and a long, penetrating finish," emphasizing its "unerring precision, impeccable balance and ineffable sense of completeness" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated it 100, stating it is "perfect in every way, from start to finish." He described it as "full bodied, sensuous, silky, sweet, and fresh with an incredible purity to the fruit" and an "opulent, decadent finish" (TheWineCellarInsider.com).
Jeb Dunnuck echoed similar sentiments, giving it a perfect score of 100 and calling it "a perfect, legendary wine in the making." He highlighted its "heavenly aromatics of crème de cassis, leafy herbs, jammy blackberries, tobacco leaf, and freshly sharpened lead pencils" (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter rated it 98, noting its "youthful, rich, powerful and intense" characteristics with "pure cassis notes alongside hawthorn, hedgerow and liquorice." The wine is matured in 60% new oak (Decanter).
Jane Anson awarded it 100, commending its "confident, tightrope-walking balance of muscular tannins, concentrated berry fruit and vibrant acidities." She noted that it will benefit from either a long carafe now or aging for 5 to 10 years (janeanson.com).
Finally, The Wine Independent rated it 99, describing its "deep garnet color" and "notes of crushed black and red currants, black raspberries, and mulberries." They praised its "bright, perfumed black fruits" and "super-ripe tannins" (The Wine Independent).
In summary, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a critically acclaimed wine known for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging.