2017 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

The 2002 vintage in Pauillac was characterized by its dramatic turnaround and unexpected quality. The year began with a dry winter and spring, followed by a challenging summer with alternating heat, storms, and cool periods. However, the vintage was saved by an exceptional "Indian summer" starting from September 10th, bringing warm, dry, and sunny conditions. This late favorable weather allowed for extended hang time and optimal ripening of the grapes, particularly benefiting the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends typical of Pauillac. Harvesting occurred later than usual, from late September through mid-October, under ideal conditions. The resulting wines showed surprising concentration, balance, and freshness, defying earlier pessimistic predictions. While not considered a legendary year, 2002 produced classic Pauillac wines with good structure, ripe tannins, and the potential for medium-term aging, showcasing the appellation's ability to produce quality even in challenging years.

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, the esteemed Second Growth estate in Pauillac, produced an excellent wine in the 2014 vintage. After a mild, wet winter and spring, summer was relatively cool and damp, requiring meticulous vineyard management to control disease pressure and promote ripening. September brought a dramatic shift with warm, dry weather that extended through October, allowing for a late harvest under ideal conditions. The result is a classic Pichon Comtesse, combining elegance and depth with a remarkable sense of freshness and precision.

The 2015 vintage from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a brilliant expression of a warm, dry year. The growing season began with a mild spring, followed by a hot, dry summer that accelerated ripening and concentrated flavors in the grapes. Timely rains in August refreshed the vines, while a perfect Indian summer allowed for harvesting at optimal maturity. The resulting wine combines the richness of the vintage with Pichon Comtesse's characteristic refinement and aromatic complexity.

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande's 2016 offering is considered one of their finest in recent years. The season began with a wet spring, increasing disease pressure and requiring vigilant vineyard management. However, a hot, dry summer followed, with just enough rain in September to refresh the vines before harvest. The result is a wine of remarkable freshness and depth, balancing power and finesse in a vintage that is considered one of the finest of the decade.

The 2017 vintage from Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande demonstrates the estate's resilience in challenging years. Severe spring frosts significantly reduced yields across Bordeaux, though Pichon Comtesse's prime location provided some protection. Summer was relatively cool and dry, leading to an early harvest of small, concentrated berries. Despite the season's difficulties, the team produced a wine of surprising depth and elegance, showcasing the estate's ability to maintain its high standards even in trying years.