There’s been a lot of talk about the 2016 Pichon Lalande being a contender for wine of the vintage, but its second wine was also a real treat this year.
The Reserve de la Comtesse (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot & 4% Cabernet Franc) really has a lot of the grace and flair of the Grand Vin – a wonderful balance between elegance and finesse with the powerful Pauillac drive underneath.
In a great vintage such as 2016 second wines from stellar second growth properties are a must have and offer exceptional value.
With 90-93 points from Antonio Galloni , it is in his words “a serious second wine” which shouldn’t be ignored! As Jane Anson so rightly comments “An incredibly luscious, gorgeously balanced and rich Réserve de la Comtesse.. a serious wine that could stand up against many Médoc grand vins.”
This is unquestionably up there as one of the finest vintages of Reserve de la Comtesse. Let me know if I should be reserving you a case or two of this sensational offering.
Reserve de la Comtesse Pauillac 2016
£355.00 per 12 bottles IB
£365.00 per 6 magnums IB
£149.00 per single double magnum IB (300cl)
£214.00 per jeroboam IB (500cl)
Brilliant shining purple colour, perfumed aromas of violets and freshly picked loganberries. A wine expressing the harmony of its fine terroir, the tannins are soft and supporting. This will give huge pleasure for early drinking. Drink 2022-2030. 90-92 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a tightly wound bouquet that perhaps needed more coaxing than some of its peers, but it was worth persisting, as it unveils some lovely cedar-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin on the entry, moderate depth, a light marine influence upon the black fruit with a little creaminess on the finish. This is a fine Reserve de Comtesse that is on par with the excellent 2015 last year. Drink Date 2022 – 2040. 90-92 points, Neal Martin
An incredibly luscious, gorgeously balanced and rich Réserve de la Comtesse. They picked right up until the light October rain, waiting until it had passed before continuing. Those extra few days have contributed to the particularly soft and silky quality of the tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon, which have a gorgeous density to them. This is a serious wine that could stand up against many Médoc grand vins. 92 points, Jane Anson, Decanter
A dense and powerful second wine from PL with layers of fruit and ripe, silky tannins. Shows tension and verve as well as polish. Excellent. 93-94 points, James Suckling
The 2016 Réserve de la Comtesse is a serious second wine. Dark, ample and voluptuous, the Comtesse will give readers a very good idea of the style and quality of the vintage, namely the interplay of fruit, aromatic freshness and tannin that makes this vintage so compelling. Inky dark and purplish fruit, chocolate, licorice and lavender are some of the notes that infuse the huge finish. Silky, polished tannins add to the wine’s considerable appeal. Don’t miss it. 90-93 points, Antonio Galloni
“2016 was stressful, but I’d love to have it every year,” says Stéphanie Danglade. I’m sure she would, because this is an excellent second wine from Pichon Lalande, with leafy, graphite aromas, velvety tannins, a core of crunchy blackcurrant fruit and subtle vanilla spice. A wine that will age seamlessly. 2022-30. 93 points, Time Atkin.