Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has turned out even better in bottle than I anticipated, bursting from the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with scents of licorice, violets and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, layered and enveloping, it's suave, seamless and complete, with faultless precision, pristine integration of tannin, controlled sweetness and a long, expansive finish. The 2022 manages to unite the sensuality that's the estate's calling card and the ripeness of the vintage on the one hand, with a sense of Pauillac classicism on the other, threading the needle to deliver one of the finest wines of the vintage and a benchmark Pichon Comtesse. It's a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in barriques (three months more than was formerly the case), two-thirds of which were new. As I wrote en primeur, there's more than a hint of the 1982 about this wine, and like the 1982, the 2022 will offer an exceptionally wide drinking window.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has turned out even better in bottle than I anticipated, bursting from the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with scents of licorice, violets and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, layered and enveloping, it's suave, seamless and complete, with faultless precision, pristine integration of tannin, controlled sweetness and a long, expansive finish. The 2022 manages to unite the sensuality that's the estate's calling card and the ripeness of the vintage on the one hand, with a sense of Pauillac classicism on the other, threading the needle to deliver one of the finest wines of the vintage and a benchmark Pichon Comtesse. It's a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in barriques (three months more than was formerly the case), two-thirds of which were new. As I wrote en primeur, there's more than a hint of the 1982 about this wine, and like the 1982, the 2022 will offer an exceptionally wide drinking window.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has turned out even better in bottle than I anticipated, bursting from the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with scents of licorice, violets and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, layered and enveloping, it's suave, seamless and complete, with faultless precision, pristine integration of tannin, controlled sweetness and a long, expansive finish. The 2022 manages to unite the sensuality that's the estate's calling card and the ripeness of the vintage on the one hand, with a sense of Pauillac classicism on the other, threading the needle to deliver one of the finest wines of the vintage and a benchmark Pichon Comtesse. It's a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in barriques (three months more than was formerly the case), two-thirds of which were new. As I wrote en primeur, there's more than a hint of the 1982 about this wine, and like the 1982, the 2022 will offer an exceptionally wide drinking window.

James Suckling (98-99)

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022.

James Suckling (98-99)

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022.

James Suckling (98-99)

Wow. This is really excellent, with superb finesse and focus. It has tight density that is almost diamond-like in its brilliance. Medium to full body, with a quality of tannin that is incredibly seamless. Like silk in texture. A top Pichon Lalande. From organic and biodynamically grown grapes. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. May be better than 2022.

IPicque Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2016 stands as a paragon of the vintage year, hailing from the acclaimed Pessac-Leognan region within Bordeaux, France. Crafted precisely on an exceptional gravel terroir, this exquisite fine wine boasts a harmonious blend of quintessential Bordeaux grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Following a meticulous manual harvest, the grapes undergo traditional vinification methods, eclipsed by meticulous barrel ageing in French oak for optimum refinement.

The proprietor, Paulin Calvet, endows the Picque Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2016 with exceptional pedigree, demonstrating an unerring commitment to meticulous quality control and sustainable viticulture. This enchanting rouge surmounts an exuberant bouquet of red fruits, forest floor and exotic spices, with a hint of mint, followed by an elegantly structured palate accentuated by silky tannins, poised acidity, and splendid longevity. A fine testament to the combination of exceptional terroir and the visionary genius of Calvet, the Picque Caillou Pessac-Leognan 2016 would shine as the pièce de résistance at any connoisseur's table.

Wine Advocate (91-93+)

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Vinous - Antonio Galloni (87)

The 2014 Plince has lost some of its freshness and depth. The wine's dried out flavors and modest depth suggest it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Vinous - Neal Martin (88)

The 2020 Plince has a relatively straightforward nose compared to its fellow Pomerol crus, slightly tertiary black fruit, perhaps a little more herbaceous in style. The palate has a light frame of tannins, drier and a tad more austere in style but with a fresh graphite-tinged finish emanating from the 16% Cabernet Franc.

Immerse yourself in the exquisite refinement of Pomeaux 2018, a harmonious amalgamation of French sophistication and artisan skill. This majestic vintage hails from the heart of France's illustrious Loire Valley, embodying a profound richness associated with the region's celebrated viticulture. Produced meticulously by Thierry Puzelat, a globally recognised vintner, Pomeaux 2018 articulates a unique crafting process that marries traditional cultivation methods with modern winemaking techniques. Each grape is hand-picked, ensuring meticulous selection and authentic, intense flavours.

Imbibers will savour its opulent blend of red and black fruits, embellished with delicate notes of spice and cocoa. Its firm, yet smoothly integrated, tannins underpin an intriguing complexity, promising excellent ageing potential. Pomeaux 2018 is a lusciously well-rounded dessert wine, accentuating the producer's flair for coaxing layered aromatics and well-balanced sweetness. With its alluring depth of character and lush, lingering finish, Pomeaux 2018 stands as a testament to French winemaking prowess. An indulgent treat to enliven your fine wine collection.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (93)

(-) Deep red-ruby. Explosive nose combines raspberry, roasted currant, grilled nuts and exotic spices. Rich, sexy, silky and full in the mouth, with expressive flavors of black raspberry, game, smoke and truffle. Finishes with strong but suave tannins and excellent length. St. Julien

Wine Spectator (95-100)

Glorious aromas of currants, blackberries and cherries with hints of vanilla and cedar. Full-bodied, with exuberant fruit. Velvety tannins. Soft and round mouthfeel. This is supercharged with fruit. Wonderful purity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Very low yields this year. Best ever from here? Score range: 95-100

Wine Advocate (94)

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Pontet-Canet has an extremely pure, vivacious, perfumed bouquet with crushed violets infusing the blueberry and blackberry fruit. But it is all about the detail and precision in this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth: lightly toasted black fruit, dried orange peel, cedar and a pinch of white pepper. This feels very cohesive and poised with just a touch of mint entering right on the finish. What a great wine from Alfred Tesseron and Jean-Michel Comme. Go grab the corkscrew now, but don't feel that this wine has to be opened for another 5-6 years. Tasted January 2016.

Wine Advocate (94)

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Pontet-Canet has an extremely pure, vivacious, perfumed bouquet with crushed violets infusing the blueberry and blackberry fruit. But it is all about the detail and precision in this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth: lightly toasted black fruit, dried orange peel, cedar and a pinch of white pepper. This feels very cohesive and poised with just a touch of mint entering right on the finish. What a great wine from Alfred Tesseron and Jean-Michel Comme. Go grab the corkscrew now, but don't feel that this wine has to be opened for another 5-6 years. Tasted January 2016.