Pichon-Longueville Lalande Pauillac 2015

98+ points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The 2015 Pichon Comtesse is a towering wine, as it has always been. Rich, sumptuous and totally hedonistic, the 2015 melds together intense fruit with structure. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2015 is going to need a number of years and will then drink well for several decades. Grilled herbs, smoke, new leather and licorice are some of the many notes that are layered into the dark-fleshed fruit for complexity. As good as the 2015 is today, it also has room to grow. Technical Director Nicolas Glumineau has done a tremendous job with the 2015s at Pichon Comtesse. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in oak, 55% new. Drink: 2025-2055. (Feb 2018)”

98 points Michel Bettane & Thierry Desseauve (The World of Fine Wine): “(68% CS, 29% M, 2% CF, 1% PV). Splendid fruit, brilliant yet subtle length. Return of this famous cru to the forefront. For pure finesse and texture, it might beat all the other Pauillacs. Despite its unusual 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, it looks nothing like its neighbor Baron, but remains faithful to the particular tenderness that made its reputation, without the slightest weakening mid-palate. On the contrary, one is struck by its constancy from beginning to end. Wonderful cedar-wood tannins. Tasted five times, once at the château, once blind. (Issue 52; 2016)”

98 points and ‘#2 Top Wine of 2018,’ International Wine Report: “The 2015 Pichon Lalande is an absolutely majestic wine, and one of the finest wines from the vintage. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot this stunning Pauillac reveals a gorgeous aromatic profile of ripe dark fruits, exotic spices, tobacco, graphite, spring florals and cured meats all coming together and soaring from the glass. On the palate this shows remarkable depth and concentration, yet possesses incredible elegance and poise. It continues to impress with its gorgeous rich, velvety texture and excellent complexity which continues through the long, graceful finish. Overall, this is simply fantastic wine from the renowned Château, which is built for the ages.”

97 points James Suckling: “This shows spices, pepper, blueberries and blackcurrants on the nose. Full body, very polished tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Shows such gorgeous texture. Precise and transparent. Try in 2022. (12/27/18)”

94-97 points Wine Spectator: “This has excellent energy, featuring voluptuous blackberry and black currant fruit lined with cassis bush, bay leaf, wet stone and iron notes, with sweet tobacco filling in the background. The finish is broad and long, with a nice graphite edge. This is Pauillac. (2016)”

96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): “A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged for 18 months in barrels, 60% new, the 2015 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and is elegantly fruited with crushed red currants, black raspberries and cassis with touches of lavender, rose hips, tilled soil, fungi and charcuterie. Medium-bodied, finely crafted, remarkably pure and beautifully poised, it has a firm frame of very fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. Drink: 2023-2040. (Feb 2018)”

96 points Tim Atkin, MW