1988 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse De Lalande

The 1988 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a benchmark Pauillac from one of Bordeaux’s most beloved Second Growth estates. Now beautifully mature, this classic Left Bank blend shows the finesse, complexity and longevity that have made “Pichon Comtesse” a reference point for collectors. From an outstanding vintage for structured yet elegant Médoc wines, this bottle offers a rare chance to experience fully evolved, old-school Bordeaux at its peak.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 1988 Pichon Comtesse shows a deep, dark ruby core with a gently fading garnet rim—clear signs of graceful bottle age rather than decline. The nose is layered and expressive, opening with blackcurrant and black plum, then evolving into notes of dried red berries, cigar box, cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, and subtle undergrowth, along with hints of dark chocolate, herbs and a touch of leather. On the palate, this wine is medium to full-bodied with a silk-smooth texture that has softened beautifully over time. Flavors of cassis, black plum, redcurrant and blueberry are interwoven with savory nuances of earth, forest floor, truffle, and finely integrated oak spice. The tannins are now polished and velvety, the acidity still lively enough to keep the wine fresh and precise, and the finish is long, complex and persistent. The 1988 is fully mature and drinking wonderfully now; in well-stored bottles it can continue to offer pleasure over the next few years, but it is very much in its ideal drinking window.

Production
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande sits in Pauillac on classic deep gravel soils over a clay subsoil—perfect Cabernet country that delivers both aromatic purity and structure. The 78 hectares of vines, planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, are traditionally hand-harvested to ensure optimal selection in the vineyard. In 1988, as is customary at the estate, the grapes were carefully sorted, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled vats, with gentle extraction to emphasize elegance over sheer power. The grand vin was then aged in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which was new, allowing the wine to gain texture, complexity and the signature cedary, spicy nuances that marry so well with the fruit as the wine matures.

Food & Serving
This mature Pauillac is an exceptional partner for classic dishes such as roast lamb with garlic and herbs, dry-aged ribeye, beef Wellington, braised veal, or game birds like pheasant or duck. It also works beautifully with earthy flavors—think mushroom dishes, truffle risotto, or aged hard cheeses such as Comté or mature cheddar. Serve at around 17–18°C (62–64°F) for best expression. Given its age, stand the bottle upright for several hours before opening and decant gently 30–60 minutes prior to serving to remove sediment and allow the aromas to unfurl, taking care not to over-decant this mature vintage.

Producer
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one of the most celebrated Deuxième Grand Cru Classé estates from the 1855 Classification, renowned for producing some of the most sensual and refined wines in Pauillac. The striking château and vineyards, which date back to the 19th century, enjoyed a golden era under the stewardship of Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing from 1978, when quality and international recognition soared. Since 2007, the estate has been owned by the Rouzaud family, also proprietors of Champagne Louis Roederer, who have invested heavily in the vineyards and cellar, further enhancing its reputation. Often described as a Pauillac with the heart of a Pomerol for its combination of structure and plush texture, Pichon Comtesse remains a benchmark of Left Bank elegance and one of the most sought-after names in Bordeaux.

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