{"product_id":"pichon-longueville-comtesse-de-lalande-2018-dbmg-3-l","title":"Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2018 DBMG","description":"\u003cp\u003ePichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2018 in double magnum (3 L) is a benchmark Pauillac, captured here in a format made for cellaring and special occasions. This grand vin marries power and finesse, showcasing the estate’s trademark elegance even in a rich, concentrated vintage like 2018. Drawn from just 50% of the harvest, it represents the purest expression of this historic Second Growth’s terroir and style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, the 2018 Pichon Comtesse shows a deep, opaque garnet-purple hue, hinting at both its density and youth. The nose unfolds in layers: baked damson plums, ripe blackcurrants and wild blueberries lead, followed by cedar cigar box, pencil shavings, bouquet garni, fine charcuterie and a delicate floral lift of lilac.\n\nOn the palate, this is medium to full-bodied yet beautifully poised, with seamless freshness balancing the ripe, dark fruit. The structure is built on firm, finely grained tannins that feel polished rather than aggressive, supporting flavors of cassis, black cherries and subtle savory notes of graphite, earth and herbs. The finish is long and perfumed, with an earthy, mineral echo that lingers. While already impressive, this 2018 is still tightly coiled; it will need around 5 years to really open up and should evolve gracefully for 30 years or more—especially in this 3 L format, which naturally extends aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2018 vintage at Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a classic Pauillac blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, reflecting the deep gravel soils over clay that define this part of Bordeaux’s Left Bank. These well-drained gravels encourage Cabernet of great refinement and aromatic complexity, while Merlot and the complementary varieties add flesh, perfume and spice. Grapes are harvested parcel by parcel at optimal ripeness, then carefully sorted to ensure only the finest fruit makes it into the grand vin, which accounts for just half of the estate’s total production in 2018. Vinification is tailored to each lot, with gentle extraction to preserve finesse and a focus on balance rather than sheer power; the resulting wine, with a pH of 3.85, an IPT of 87 and 14% alcohol, is then matured in French oak to build texture, complexity and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 2018 Pichon Comtesse is a natural partner for refined, savory dishes: think roast lamb with rosemary, dry-aged ribeye, venison or other game, or classic Bordeaux pairings like entrecôte with bone marrow or duck breast with a red wine reduction. It also works beautifully with earthy sides such as truffled potato gratin, wild mushrooms or celeriac purée, and with aged hard cheeses like Comté or old Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Given its youth and structure, decanting is strongly recommended: 2–3 hours for current drinking, or a shorter 1-hour decant if you open it after some further bottle age. In double magnum, it will reward slow, contemplative drinking over the course of an evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChâteau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is one of the most revered estates in Pauillac, classified as a Deuxième Cru (Second Growth) in the historic 1855 Médoc Classification. Long known for producing some of the most seductive and elegant wines of the appellation, Pichon Comtesse has often been described as having a distinctly ‘feminine’ style compared with its more muscular neighbors, all while retaining classic Pauillac structure and longevity. Over the decades, the château has been a standard-bearer for quality on the Left Bank, with ongoing investment in vineyards and cellar ensuring ever-greater precision and purity. Today, Pichon Comtesse stands as one of Bordeaux’s most sought-after names, consistently crafting wines that are both collectible and deeply pleasurable to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252710887761,"sku":"PS-8006070010056","price":1210.58,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/COMTESSELALANDE_1cc9c71f-213f-491b-afa9-ca773cc52a61.png?v=1783446206","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/pichon-longueville-comtesse-de-lalande-2018-dbmg-3-l","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}