Parker about Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande 1986
Now at 30 years of age, there is a gulf between the two Pichons in this vintage that no longer exists. The 1986 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has long been one of the best wines from the estate alongside the 1982 (even if the first bottle was a little oxidized). The second bottle was representative. It has a classic pencil-lead, cedar-infused nose that rockets from the glass, a subtle floral note developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red berry fruit, a pinch of white pepper and cedar, structured compared to coeval vintages and perhaps further along its drinking plateau than previous examples. Certainly à point, I would be reaching for bottles of this now if you cannot locate those 1982s, or alternatively seek out the superlative 1996. This still remains a fine, rather regal Pichon-Lalande. Tasted July 2016.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux-Pauillac |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc |
Alkoholgehalt | 12.50% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, 33250 Pauillac, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2016 - 2030 |
Parker Punkte | 95 |
Jahrgang | 1986 |
Bordeaux-Pauillac, France 🇫🇷
Goes well with

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande 1986

The 1986 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a classic Pauillac from an outstanding vintage known for its structured, long-aging wines. 1986 was a year with ideal weather conditions for Bordeaux, which gave wines like this a special depth and longevity.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep, slightly ripe ruby red, already exhibiting some brick-red reflections – a sign of its advancing maturity. The bouquet is intense and complex, with a fascinating blend of ripe aromas. Notes of black currants, dark cherries, and dried plums dominate, accompanied by subtle secondary aromas such as leather, cedarwood, cigar box, and tobacco. In the background, earthy tones, graphite, and subtle herbal nuances develop, underscoring the wine's elegant maturity.
On the palate, the Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1986 is structured, powerful, and yet amazingly harmonious. The tannins are soft and silky, yet still present, giving the wine impressive longevity. The fruit is perfectly integrated, and the tertiary aromas of leather, forest floor, and tobacco become more prominent, indicating its maturity and long ageing. The structure is classic and balanced, with a lively acidity that lends the wine freshness and vitality.
The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of black fruits, leather, and a hint of truffle, typical of aged Bordeaux wines. The 1986 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a prime example of the elegance and refinement of this estate and demonstrates how wonderfully a great Pauillac can age with age.
This wine pairs perfectly with classic dishes such as lamb, beef, or game and is a delight for lovers of aged Bordeaux wines. The 1986 vintage is at its peak but has the potential to continue to shine for several more years.
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande
Information about the winemaker:
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, often simply referred to as Pichon Lalande, is a renowned winery in the Bordeaux region of France. It is located in the commune of Pauillac, one of the most famous and respected wine-growing regions in the Médoc. Here is some key information about Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande:
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