2016 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande Pauillac

Winery Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse Lalande is one of the most refined and recognizable estates in Pauillac. The château is known for a style in which power and elegance come together, with particular attention to texture, aromatic finesse, and balance. Under the leadership of Nicolas Glumineau, the estate has experienced a clear quality boost 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 an underlying layer of clay. This location produces wines with structure, length, and a distinct Pauillac character. The 2016 vintage is considered one of the great classic vintages of Bordeaux, with a wet spring followed by a long, dry, and moderately warm summer. This ensured optimal ripeness, concentration, and preservation of freshness.

Vineyards

The Pichon Comtesse plots consist of old, low-yielding vines, which contributes to concentration and complexity. The proximity of the Gironde plays an important role in tempering extremes, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. Very strict selection was carried out in 2016, 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 ensures texture and roundness. The exact proportions are tailored to the balance and expression of the vintage.

Harvest, vinification and aging

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. Aging takes place in oak barrels, largely new, with the aim of integration and depth without overpowering the fruit. The maturation is focused on harmony and a very long lifespan.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep, intense ruby purple color. On the nose, an impressive palette of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark berry fruit unfolds, interwoven with graphite, pencil shavings, licorice, menthol, and fine spices. Floral notes and subtle accents of tobacco and cedar add extra refinement. On the palate, the wine is powerful and layered, with a monumental structure supported by ripe, fine-grained tannins. Concentration is high, yet remains perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and striking 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 term. Professional reviews mention a drinking window of 2026 to 2066. Despite its power, the wine already shows balance, but further bottle aging will provide additional complexity and refinement over several decades.

Summary of professional reviews

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

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

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

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