Pichon Lalande 2010

An eternal wine, the 2010 Pichon Lalande is a total showstopper. The first impression is one of explosive power, but time in the glass brings out the wine’s more delicate, floral side. Violet, graphite, crème de cassis, licorice and menthol overtones recall the 1996, but the tannins here are much softer, sweeter and more polished. In two recent tastings, the 2010 has been positively stellar. The alternation of hot days and cool nights led to a late harvest. The Cabernet Sauvignon harvest did not start until October 7; by that date in 2009 all the fruit was in. Readers who can still find the 2010 should not hesitate, as it is a modern-day classic. That’s all there is to it. 2025 - 2060

The 2010 Pichon Lalande is performing extremely well and at the top of the range I predicted several years ago. A final blend dominated much more by Cabernet Sauvignon than usual (66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot), the wine is a tighter, more tannic and structured version of this famed Pauillac, which often tends to have more of a St-Julien-like personality than most Pauillacs. Structured, backward and tannic, yet showing a fat mid-palate that is more savory, broader and more expansive than I remember from barrel, this wine is somewhat reminiscent of the 1986, given the Cabernet Sauvignon domination of the blend. Full-bodied, impressively endowed, and less sexy and velvety than normal, this is a somewhat different style of Pichon Lalande than most readers have been used to. Whether you like it more or less will depend on your point of view, but this wine, unlike most Pichon Lalandes, needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for 30+ years. Drink 2018-2048.

The 2010 Pichon-Lalande is again, very deep in colour. It has a compact nose that demands aeration, opening up with blackberry, raspberry coulis, graphite and light iris aromas, all well defined but implying that it has more to give in the future. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a little peppery in style with a smooth and harmonious, more Saint-Julien like finish. It is an extremely charming and drinkable Pauillac though and it has the substance to age for many years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Drink:2023-2050

This is a pretty and refined Pichon Lalande. Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of earth and mushrooms. Full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. I slightly prefer the 2009. Better in 2017.

2010 Pichon Lalande is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot and has a deep garnet color. It storms out of the glass with powerful notes of baked black plums, mocha, tar, and licorice, followed by a core of blackcurrant jelly, laced with bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut, muscular and impactful, framed by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy. Approachable now, it is still a little tight and I would give it another 5 years or so to really hit its stride, then drink it over the next 20 years+.

Silky, sweet black fruit, black olive and truffle notes from the start. This is majestically impressive - it sparks to life in your mouth and breaks out an involuntary smile. The texture is just liquid silk and it slowly but surely builds through the palate, gaining in confidence and totally delightful. Bright, vibrant tannins make the most of the high levels of acidity that were available in 2010, while matching them pace for pace with concentrated fruit. For me this is getting better as it ages, starting to rival the 1982 at Comtesse, and I can't wait to keep tasting it over the decades to come. Last time I rated this wine, in 2016, I gave it 98 points, and I questioned whether to keep it there, which is already an exceptional score, but I want to mark just how clearly it stood out in this horizontal. 60% new oak.

Drinking Window 2022 - 2050

17 Drink 2020-2030
Tasted open 7 Apr: Very, very deep crimson. Savoury yet rich - a most attractive mix! Just a little raw; is there much Petit Verdot in this? (No, just 3%, and 7% Cabernet Franc.) Very drying tannins. Not sure it's quite a dense as it needs to be for the tannin content. Inky. The gap between grand vin and second wine seems unexpectedly narrow here this year. Perhaps this was just not a good day for the grand vin? I will taste it blind tomorrow…
Tasted blind 8 Apr: Dark, intense crimson. Very rich and supple. Round and flattering. Mid weight and nicely balanced. Very easy, representative, succulent example of 2010. Lots of integrity. (Score: 17+ 20-35)

One of THE great names of the Médoc and a true "super-second". Pichon Lalande is one of the most demanded wines of Bordeaux. It is especially popular in the Far East thanks to its slightly exotic, spicy character and plump ripe fruit and polished texture. The Chateau is now owned by Champagne house Louis Roederer. The 2010 is made from 66%Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3 % Petit Verdot. This is so different from the other second growths. It's certainly not a blockbuster, but a wine of great class and sophistication. This is VERY Pichon Lalande with red cherries, exotic Asian spices and a creamy texture. Fleshy, supple and beautifully polished. Some critics will probably accuse this wine of being light-weight but this is not a wine that is trying to win a strong-man competition. Lovely Pichon.

Sweet black fruits give richness on the nose but on the palate bilberry freshness ensures a lighter more elegant feel to the mid palate. The black fruits have a floral charm the freshness rather overtaken by the powerhouse of black cherry and cassis that shows at the back.

Lovely expression of supple, rich fruit, beautiful middle palate, lacks perhaps the power of some wines in this vintage, but makes up for it in polish and elegance. Drink 2020-40.