2002 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac 750ml

The 2002 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a masterclass in classic Pauillac elegance. Furthermore, it was crafted during the legendary reign of Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing. The 2002 vintage in the Médoc is an insider’s secret of purity and focus. Consequently, this mature release offers remarkable aromatic finesse and supple texture.

Additionally, Pichon Lalande is famous for its velvety, sensual personality. The estate defied challenging summer weather with late-season sunshine in October. Therefore, this 2002 bottling delivers astonishing complexity and seductive charm today.

Terroir & Viticulture

Château Pichon Lalande sits adjacent to Château Latour on the border of Saint-Julien. Specifically, the estate features gravelly terraces overlying deep clay-limestone subsoils. This unique terroir retains moisture during warm spells while ensuring rapid surface drainage. As a result, the vines absorb vital mineral nutrients throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the 2002 season saw a cool summer followed by a glorious, dry September. Madame de Lencquesaing delayed the harvest to achieve full phenolic ripeness. Furthermore, vineyard workers carried out severe green harvests across all parcels. Thus, the hand-picked fruit arrived in balanced, healthy condition.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the winery, vinification maintained the estate’s hallmark focus on silky elegance. First, grape sorting was executed with extreme rigor at the sorting tables. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with gentle pumping over.

Subsequently, the wine matured for approximately 18 months in French oak barriques. The estate utilized roughly 50% new oak to avoid overpowering the vintage’s delicate perfume. In addition, the wine was fined with traditional fresh egg whites. Consequently, the finished wine developed seamless integration and refined tannins.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine presents a radiant garnet hue with ruby glints. Immediately, the nose reveals fragrant aromas of blackcurrant, violet petals, and cedarwood. In addition, delicate notes of lead pencil shavings, dark chocolate, and forest floor evolve with air.

On the palate, the wine feels remarkably silky, medium-bodied, and harmonious. Fine, melted tannins wrap around pure flavors of cassis and tobacco leaf. Meanwhile, an energetic thread of acidity provides outstanding freshness and length. Consequently, the finish lingers with refined graphite minerality and dried herbs.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
• Classification: 2ème Grand Cru Classé (1855 Classification)
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2002
• Proprietor: Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing
• Varietal Blend: ~51% Cabernet Sauvignon, ~34% Merlot, ~9% Cabernet Franc, ~6% Petit Verdot
• Maturation: ~18 months in French oak barriques (~50% new oak)
• Alcohol: ~13.0% ABV
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this wine between 16°C–18°C (60°F–64°F) in large Bordeaux stemware. Additionally, consider decanting the bottle for 30 minutes prior to service. This aeration allows the delicate floral and cedar aromatics to unfold fully.

Pair this wine with roasted duck breast, veal chops with wild mushrooms, or lamb tenderloin. Furthermore, this 2002 vintage is drinking at its absolute sweet spot of maturity today. As a result, collectors can enjoy it now or cellar it safely through 2032.