2010 - Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac

A vintage that will become a pillar of Bordeaux history is how Nicolas Glumineau describes this 2010 vintage, reflective of its classicism, its proven ageing ability, and its reserved brilliance that sums up so much about the best of Bordeaux. In a good place right now as it heads into its early drinking window, smooth tannins, cassis, olive pit, blackberry, cigar box. It's a vintage that has really taken it's time, but is finally opening up. Last year with Thomas Do-Chi-Nam as technical director. 3.6ph, harvest September 27 to October 13.

2010 Pichon Lalande is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot and has a deep garnet color. It storms out of the glass with powerful notes of baked black plums, mocha, tar, and licorice, followed by a core of blackcurrant jelly, laced with bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut, muscular and impactful, framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy. Approachable now, it is still a little tight and I would give it another 5 years or so to really hit its stride, then drink it over the next 20 years+.

The 2010 Pichon-Lalande has a very beguiling bouquet with a very expressive Merlot at the moment. There is a sense of warmth coming through, touches of liquorice and allspice, although it remains delineated and intense. The palate is medium-bodied with those subtle marine influences that I have observed in previous bottles. I was maybe expecting a little more precision and grip on the finish, but it remains a gorgeous Pichon-Lalande, even if it has been surpassed by subsequent vintages like the 2015 and 2016. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande gives up notes of warm cassis, blueberry pie and kirsch with wafts of cedar chest, pencil lead, charcoal and charcuterie plus a hint of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied, the savory-inspired palate possesses a fair bit of chew with a lively backbone and firm finish.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet with brick rim. Spicy and lifted on the nose: attractive stone-dust as well as plenty of fruit and the start of tertiary savoury notes. Powerful, dry but elegant in that tannic power. There’s tension and a long future here, the tannins still chewy. (JH)