Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Let's start with the good. The 2021 Pichon Comtesse is epic and certainly among the great wines of this vintage. Sadly, the coulure and mildew in the first year of organic farming plus dehydration at the end of the growing season took with it fully two thirds of the crop. In other words, there's not much wine to go around. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, yet clocking in at 12.9% alcohol, the 2021 is beautifully layered and totally sensual from the very first taste. Hints of red fruit, flowers, mint, white pepper and dried savory herbs develop with a bit of coaxing. The Cabernet Sauvignon, at 88%, is very high by historical standards. Quite simply, the 2021 is a tour de force from Technical Director Nicolas Glumineau and his team. If there is one wine readers will absolutely jump on en primeur it is Pichon Comtesse. Should the bottled wine turn out as well as this sample, pricing is likely to jump materially because of the tiny production. Don't miss it.

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.

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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Experience the unparalleled elegance of Pierre & Marianne Duroche Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2021. This exquisite wine hails from the sanctified hills of Burgundy, the epitome of Pinot Noir. The stewards of this velvety elixir, Pierre and Marianne Duroche, craft their wines with precise, meticulous care. The vineyards are sustainably farmed, the grapes hand-harvested and naturally fermented to accentuate the rich terroir expression. Every vintage, including 2021, reveals a formidably elegant wine that dances between bright, juicy fruit notes and intense, spicy undertones, adorned with a delicate floral finish.

A must-have for discerning collectors, Pierre & Marianne Duroche Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2021 demonstrates the Duroche family’s mastery, rooted in five generations of winemaking. Each sip, an ode to their timeless tradition. Reflecting the unique microclimate of the Les Amoureuses premier cru vineyard, it's a testament to the synergy of nature and craftsmanship.

Experience the nuances of the illustrious Pierre Amiot Charmes Chambertin 2016, a quintessential offering from Burgundy's hallowed Côte de Nuits region. Produced by the renowned Amiot family, the wine is a testament to five generations of winemaking finesse. Cultivated in their esteemed Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru vineyard, the standout Pinot Noir grape varietal is hand-harvested to ensure prime selection. Aged for 18 months in fine-grained French oak barrels, the final blend elicits a rich and truly sublime experience.

The Pierre Amiot Charmes Chambertin 2016 offers a medley of delectable flavours, characterised by lush berries, spicy undertones, and subtle earthy notes, intertwined with an elegant hint of oak. Each sip reveals a harmonious balance between ripe fruit intensity, refined tannic structure, and a distinctive mineral edge, culminating in a lingering, sophisticated finish. A definitive icon, the Charmes Chambertin 2016 perfectly embodies Pierre Amiot's enduring commitment to impeccable quality and exceptional craftsmanship.

Experience the opulence and charm of the Pierre Amiot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2017, adored by wine connoisseurs worldwide. Emanating from the esteemed vineyards nestled within the Chamboeuf region of Burgundy, France, this exceptional Grand Cru explores the expert wine crafting skills of the revered Pierre Amiot family, lauded for perpetuating a marvellous winemaking tradition spanning five generations.

The Pierre Amiot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2017 is produced in a traditional Burgundian style, employing hand-harvesting techniques that allow it to acquire intense, robust flavours. Displaying a captivating velvety texture, this Pinot Noir wine dazzles with a luscious red fruit bouquet complemented by delicate undertones of earth and spice. On the palate, it presents an exuberant constellation of cherry, raspberry, and plum, bound by graceful tannins and balanced acidity. The wine's lyrical finish encapsulates its quintessential Burgundian character and the singular genius of the Pierre Amiot domain. An indispensable acquisition for any fine wine enthusiast.

Embark on an ennobling journey of your palate with the Pierre Amiot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019. Expertly crafted in the revered vineyards of Burgundy, France, it is a testament to the exceptional winemaking genius of five generations of the Amiot family. Intimate knowledge of the unique terroir combines with precise viniculture to yield a wine of stirring complexity and depth.

The grapes, carefully hand-harvested and long-fermented, imbue the Grand Cru with an arresting ruby hue and an intoxicating bouquet of ripe raspberries, forest floor and delicate violets. Its flavours are layered, revealing an irresistible mélange of plush cherries, blackberries, and spicy undertones, rounded off with fine, silky tannins in an extended finish.

Revered by critics and connoisseurs alike, the Pierre Amiot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019 embodies an elegant balance of power and finesse. This premium wine promises a tasting experience that captivates, from the first sniff to the final savor.

The Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 is an exquisite Burgundian gem from the renowned Amiot family. For five generations, the Amiots have been diligently tending their vines in the heart of Morey-Saint-Denis producing impeccable wines. The Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 is an epitome of their rich winemaking heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Hand-picked from 50-year-old vines, the wine is subjected to minimal intervention and aged in oak barrels for 18 months, producing an elixir of great elegance and depth. Its sumptuous ruby robe unveils a queue of aromas, including ripe red fruits, exotic spices, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, this Grand Cru seduces with a velvety texture, richness, and complex minerality. The finish is impressively long, leaving a lingering taste of dark cherries and cocoa.

The Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 embodies the grandeur of Burgundy. Its bold expression and finesse underscore its status as a wine of great nobility and an investment-worthy collectible.

The Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 is an exquisite Burgundian gem from the renowned Amiot family. For five generations, the Amiots have been diligently tending their vines in the heart of Morey-Saint-Denis producing impeccable wines. The Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 is an epitome of their rich winemaking heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Hand-picked from 50-year-old vines, the wine is subjected to minimal intervention and aged in oak barrels for 18 months, producing an elixir of great elegance and depth. Its sumptuous ruby robe unveils a queue of aromas, including ripe red fruits, exotic spices, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, this Grand Cru seduces with a velvety texture, richness, and complex minerality. The finish is impressively long, leaving a lingering taste of dark cherries and cocoa.

The Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 embodies the grandeur of Burgundy. Its bold expression and finesse underscore its status as a wine of great nobility and an investment-worthy collectible.

Experience the brilliance of a rich, complex Burgundy with the 'Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2019'. A product of the esteemed Pierre Amiot et Fils, a fifth-generation winemaking family based in Morey-Saint-Denis, this exquisite red is a testament to the variegated terroir of the Côte de Nuits. Crafted from 60-year-old Pinot Noir vines, it exudes the quintessential charm of its Grand Cru status.

Subtle yet potent, the wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, endowing it with an alluringly dusky hue and velvety finish. Its bouquet offers dark berry jam, damp earth, and liquorice undertones, whilst on the palate, its precise acidity accentuates its forest fruit, floral cystis lobata, and chicory notes. With commendable depth and longevity, the 'Pierre Amiot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2019' is an enchanting introduction to Burgundian viticulture at its finest.