2024 Pichon Comtesse Reserve (Pauillac)

Unusually austere on the opening for this highly consistent wine, but things builds slowly but surely, expanding through the mid palate to show chalk, crayon, cassis and cocoa bean, grilled herbs. 48% of overall production in the Pichon Comtesse Reserve, 3.7 pH. IPT 65, 50% new oak for ageing, 15% press wine. 92 points

The 2024 Reserve de la Comtesse is a very racy, sexy wine. Crushed flowers, mint, lavender, new leather, mocha and spice all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Reserve. All the elements are so well balanced. Silky tannins add to the wine`s total feeling of finesse, but the aromatics are just as inviting. Tasted three times. 91-93 points

The 2024 Reserve de la Comtesse represents half the crop this year, with more Cabernet Sauvignon than ever before, partly due to the replanting program in the vineyard. This sample was aged in 100% new oak, but the final blend will be 50%. It offers raspberry and mulberry scents, with light damp undergrowth aromas percolating through, almost moss-like. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins on the entry and some wood tannins present, although there will be less in the final blend. Light cedar notes emerge towards the finish, moderate in length, clean and classic in style. 89-91 points