Wines Pauillac Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2012 is a celebrated Grand Cru from Pauillac, a prestigious appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. This vintage showcases the classic Médoc blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, typically complemented by Merlot, with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though exact proportions can vary from year to year. The 2012 growing season was marked by a cool, wet spring and a warm, dry August and September, resulting in a wine of elegant structure and measured ripeness. Carefully vinified using traditional Bordeaux methods, the wine was likely aged in high-quality French oak barrels, which contribute texture and subtle aromatic complexity.

Pauillac’s terroir is renowned for its gravelly soils over limestone and clay, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing excellent drainage and deep root development. The maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, offers regular breezes reducing disease risk and aiding grape maturation. Pauillac’s storied history includes some of the region’s most celebrated châteaux; Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in particular is known for its remarkable balance, finesse, and the harmonious interplay between power and elegance in its wines.

With its restrained yet expressive character, this 2012 pairs beautifully with robust red meats–think grilled lamb cutlets, roast beef, or venison. Regional dishes such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise or duck breast with ceps will complement the wine’s refined tannins and dark fruit profile. Mature cheeses like Comté or aged Gruyère also make for an excellent pairing, allowing the wine’s complexity to shine.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow the bouquet to open fully. Serve at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. This will highlight the layered aromas of cassis, cedar, graphite, and the subtle oak influence, while preserving the freshness and structure that define Pauillac’s greatest wines.