Wines Pauillac Château Pichon-Longueville Baron - Comtesse de LaLande Reserve de la Contesse - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2017, in its cuvée “Comtesse de Lalande Réserve de la Comtesse,” is an outstanding representative of Pauillac’s tradition of elegance and power. This wine is a blend typical of the Left Bank, featuring a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, and sometimes small proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2017 vintage posed challenges in Bordeaux due to spring frosts, but the careful vineyard management at this prestigious estate ensured grapes that express both freshness and structure. The terroir is rooted in gravelly soils just steps from the Gironde estuary, imparting excellent drainage and encouraging deep vine roots, which results in complexity and longevity in the wine. Vinification combines modern precision with traditional methods, including fermentation in stainless steel and significant aging in oak barrels, a portion of which are new, lending subtle integration of spicy, toasty notes.

The Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc is renowned for producing wines of remarkable depth and refinement. This region is defined by its proximity to the river, which moderates the climate and reduces risk of frost. The soils are predominantly gravel mixed with clay and sand, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing it to reach its full aromatic and tannic potential. Pauillac is storied, home to some of Bordeaux’s most sunlit vineyards and a legacy of grand châteaux dating back centuries, establishing a culture where quality and tradition prevail.

Pairing this wine is a pleasure given its structure and aromatic profile. Think of classic dishes like roasted lamb shoulder with garlic and rosemary, or an entrecôte grilled over vine shoots, which echo the wine’s depth and tannic backbone. Rich, earthy flavors such as mushrooms or wild game further enhance its complexity. For a regional touch, a Pauillac-style lamb with flageolet beans is a match made in heaven.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to encourage aeration and open its nuanced bouquet of cassis, blackberry, cedar, and graphite. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to allow both its elegance and power to shine through.