2011 Pichon Longueville Lalande (Pauillac)

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2011 Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande is an elegant, suave, medium-bodied effort with abundant black cherry and red and black currant fruit. Nearly St.-Julien-like in its texture and personality, this is a well-made, finesse-styled Pauillac to drink over the next 10-15 years. 89 points

Beautiful rich garnet hue. Sublime nose - I`ve never seen it so vibrant, so clean and so typically Medoc at this stage. Gorgeous fat and voluptuous entry leading to a juicy, powerful and aromatic performance, yet never parting with the greatest of finesse on the palate. As beautifully scintillating and stylish as ever, but 2011 adds extra sap and length, particularly after the mid-palate. Deep, lingering finish. It is worth noting that Pichon Comtesse 2011 has successfully managed to retain its fat character in a year reputed to be tannic, if not harsh. 92 points, Coup de Coeur This is down to Philippe Moureau, the new manager and great wine-enthusiast, who decided to increase the proportion of cabernet sauvignon in the blend.78% cabernet sauvignon, 12%cabernet franc, 8% merlot and 2% petit verdot. So here is a 90% cabernet Pichon Lalande - a first for the estate and heralding what Pichon is set to become. This 2011 is on a par with the 2009 and 2010.