2016 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande Pauillac

A FIRST AVAILABLE MARCH 2026

Winery Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande is one of Pauillac's most refined and recognizable estates. The château is known for a style that combines power and elegance, with particular attention to texture, aromatic finesse, and balance. Under the leadership of Nicolas Glumineau, the estate has undergone a clear improvement in quality in recent years, producing wines that are both classic and remarkably precise.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The vineyards are located in the south of Pauillac, bordering Saint-Julien, on deep gravel soils with a clay subsoil. This location produces wines with structure, length, and a distinct Pauillac character. The 2016 vintage is considered one of Bordeaux's great classic vintages, with a wet spring followed by a long, dry, and moderately warm summer. This ensured optimal ripeness, concentration, and retention of freshness.

Vineyards

The Pichon Comtesse plots consist of old vines with low yields, which contributes to concentration and complexity. The proximity of the Gironde estuary plays a key role in mitigating extremes, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. In 2016, a very strict selection process was carried out, resulting in a wine of exceptional purity and precision.

Grape varieties and composition

The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, tension, and aging potential, while Merlot adds texture and roundness. The precise proportions are tailored to balance and express the vintage.

Harvest, vinification and maturation

The harvest took place at perfect physiological ripeness, with manual selection in the vineyard. Vinification is carried out plot-by-plot with controlled extraction to preserve finesse. Maturation takes place in oak barrels, mostly new, with the aim of integrating and enhancing the depth without overpowering the fruit. The aging process focuses on harmony and longevity.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep, intense ruby purple color. The aroma unfolds an impressive palette of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark berry fruit, interwoven with graphite, pencil shavings, licorice, menthol, and fine spices. Floral notes and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar add further refinement. On the palate, the wine is powerful and layered, with a monumental structure supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins. Its concentration is high, yet remains perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and remarkable precision. The finish is exceptionally long and intense, with a sense of harmony and completeness that continues to unfold slowly.

Development and drinking window

The 2016 Pichon Comtesse is clearly built for the long haul. Professional reviews suggest a drinking window of 2026 to 2066. Despite its power, the wine already shows balance, but further bottle aging will bring additional complexity and refinement over several decades.

Summary of professional reviews

Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 100 points, calling it an epic Pichon Comtesse, with unparalleled intensity and harmony. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate also awarded the wine 100 points, calling it one of the greatest wines the château has produced in modern times, with almost immortal aging potential. Jeb Dunnuck called it a perfect, legendary wine in the making, and Jane Anson emphasized the refined, classic Pauillac character. The wine received unanimously the highest score from leading critics.

The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.