| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
1988 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is another vintage I had not tasted for a few years. I have recently encountered magnums of 1988 Pichon-Baron, so I was intrigued to see how they compared. The Pichon-Longueville has a classic bouquet with freshly rolled tobacco, brine and sufficient black fruit that renders the aromatics austere in the best way possible. The palate is medium-bodied and far more elegant than previous bottles, autumnal, yet beautifully balanced with cedar and leather notes, becoming a little fungal towards the short yet charming finish. This is drinking perfectly right now. (Drink between 2024-2032)
One of the stars of the vintage, the 1988 has evolved beautifully. Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of black plums, herbs, and currants, a silky smooth texture, and full body, it is one of the most highly extracted wines of the vintage. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.
90 points Drink 1993-2008
Dark ruby, with a full-intensity bouquet of new oak, black fruits, vanillin, and spring flowers, this silky smooth, full-bodied 1988 has excellent extraction of fruit, plenty of glycerine, and a sense of elegance. Seductively precocious, it should drink superbly over the next 10-15 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.
90 points Drink 1993-2008
One of the stars of the vintage, this deeply colored wine (the same color saturation as the 1989) displays a ripe, jammy, curranty nose intertwined with scents of herbs, new oak, and minerals. While it nearly possesses the concentration of the 1989, the tannins are firmer and harder, and the finish is less opulent. The result is a more structured, yet immensely enjoyable Pichon Lalande that should drink well for another 10-15 years.
91 points Drink 1992-2007
