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Goedhuis, March 2018
Arguably the most controversial wine of the vintage. Its reputation has never recovered from the savage tasting note it received from Robert Parker. I have tasted it on a number of occasions: sometimes it delights and occasionally it has been slightly muted. Last night was most definitely its night. I loved it. Yes, it is a wine out of context with many for the vintage, but boy is it graceful and harmonious. Hints of vanilla pod and herbal fruits, it is subtle, elegant and just a style that you want to drink. I love it as a superb wine in its own right.
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Goedhuis, April 2006, Score: 93-95+
This estate was once merged with neighbouring Pichon Baron to form a much larger domaine. Due to inheritance politics, it was split in 1850 between only two children – one being Virginie de Lalande née de Pichon Longueville.The Lalande family sold the property in 1925 and today, it is owned by the charming and remarkable May Eliane de Lencquesaing. Medium- to full-bodied, their 2005 offers fresh griotte cherries enveloped by savoury flavours of spice and mineral. Fresh and clean, it is more traditional in style than its twin, Pichon Baron.
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Robert Parker, April 2008, Score: 86
The disappointing 2005 Pichon Lalande reveals a much lighter style than one expects from this estate. However, the new owners, the Louis Roederer/Deutz champagne firm, have recently brought in Hubert de Bouard (from St.-Emilion) as a consultant, and the 2006 appears to be a dramatic improvement over the 2005. For all its greatness, Pichon Lalande previously experienced hiccups in superb vintages, 1990 being a prime example. While good, in the context of the vintage, the 2005 is unimpressive. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this deep ruby-colored effort exhibits a slightly herbaceous nose revealing hints of roasted coffee, cedar wood, cherries, and black currants. Good acidity and elevated tannins give the wine a streamlined, medium-bodied, fresh taste. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.
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Robert Parker, April 2007, Score: 88-90
This estate has been sold to the Louis Roederer/Deutz champagne firm, but it appears the winemaking team will largely remain intact. Only 50% of the production made it into the 2005, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. While not in the same league as Pichon Lalande's greatest efforts (2003, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1986, 1983, and 1982), it is alighter-styled, more linear, slightly herbaceous yet impeccably elegant wine offering notes of cedar, black currants, and plums. Medium-bodied and fresh, with moderately high tannin, it seems to be an improved version of the estate's 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.
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Robert Parker, April 2006, Score: 89-91
Only 50% of the production made it into this blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The Merlot harvest began on September 20, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was brought in in early October. Deep ruby-hued with purple highlights, the lighter-styled 2005 Pichon-Lalande (reminiscent of Pinot Noir) is a racy, elegant, finesse-filled Pauillac without the power, flesh, and substance of previous vintages. Its delicacy and vibrancy have resulted in a singularly styled effort for this impeccably run estate. I would not be surprised to see the 2005 put on more weight after 4-5 years of bottle age; it should keep for two decades. Drink: 2010 - 2026.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2006, Score: 17.5
Very dark crimson. Broad and opulent on the nose - scented. Fresh and relatively simple. A little green note? Neat and compact but not as dense as some. Certainly a ripe vintage with dry tannins and representative of 2005, but correct rather than a wow wine. Very competent and well balanced. Finishes quite suddenly. (I tasted the 2004 alongside and was most impressed by its vivacity and depth. It could be even better than the 2005!) More obvious sweetness than the 2004. Drink 2012-25.
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Wine Spectator, April 2006, Score: 92-94
Love the aromas here of currants, licorice, exotic fruit, and berries. Complex. Full and silky, with gorgeous tannins. This is really long and reserved. Very close to 95-100. I will see in bottle.
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Robert Parker, June 2015, Score: 89/100
The 2005 Pichon Lalande, with its aromatics of cassis, forest floor and earth are followed by a medium-bodied wine that doesn’t have quite the length and richness the aromatics suggest. Nevertheless, it is medium-bodied, elegant, and pure, and a classic example for this château. Drink it now as well as over the next 15 or so years. It is showing better than my earlier notes suggest. Robert Parker Jr Drink Dates 2015-2030 Score 89/100
