Pichon Lalande
By Ben Collins
Pichon Lalande

Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande to give its full title, is next to and overlooking Pauillac’s most intimidating estate Chateau Latour and opposite its rival Pichon Baron, possibly the most photographed property in Bordeaux. This makes it prime territory in arguably the smartest and most famous wine region on the planet. In a word, iconic.

The cellar has been completely rebuilt since the Roederer family bought the property in 2007 from Madame de Lencquesaing. Superbly designed, it is built in what could be described as utilitarian deluxe - quite a contrast to some of the flashier cellars that abound in this neck of the woods.

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“Nicholas Glumineau is in charge here and the improvement in the wine over the last 10 years is dramatic, no mean feat given how good the wine has been through its history.”

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There is a lovely, light, airy reception room overlooking the Gironde and Latour for tasting wine and if you are lucky probably a delicious lunch – they are incredibly hospitable round here. Nicholas Glumineau is in charge here and the improvement in the wine over the last 10 years is dramatic, no mean feat given how good the wine has been through its history. Bravo Nicholas!

The silky, concentrated, rich Grand Vin 2018 is simply brilliant and Reserve de Comtesse in this vintage is a revelation. It cannot possibly be described as a second wine – it is going to give many a smart Grand Vin a run for their money. Both wines are wonderful.