1985 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse, a Second Growth in Pauillac since the 1855 Classification, embodies exceptional elegance. Founded in 1694 by Baron Jacques Pichon de Longueville, the estate was divided among his children, with the Comtesse portion going to his daughters. Now owned by Louis Roederer since 2007, the château has undergone significant renovations to maximize its terroir potential. Renowned for its balance, refinement, and depth, Pichon Longueville Comtesse produces wines that are sensual, seductive, and silky. Unusually approachable when young for a Médoc, due in part to a higher proportion of Merlot, the wine nonetheless possesses the tannic structure and richness to age beautifully for 10 to 20 years, solidifying its place among Bordeaux's finest.

Pauillac is a prestigious appellation located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. Known for producing some of the world's most renowned and expensive red wines, Pauillac is home to three of the five Bordeaux First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. The region's terroir is characterized by well-drained gravel soils, ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, which dominates the wine blends. Pauillac wines are typically full-bodied, tannic, and complex, with flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco. They are known for their exceptional aging potential. The appellation's unique microclimate, influenced by its proximity to the Gironde estuary, contributes to the consistent quality of its wines. Pauillac's reputation for producing powerful, elegant, and long-lived wines has solidified its status as a benchmark for Bordeaux reds.

Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse boasts an exceptional terroir in the heart of Pauillac. The 89-hectare vineyard is situated on deep gravel soils typical of the appellation, with some plots featuring clay subsoils. This gravelly composition provides excellent drainage and heat retention, crucial for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety. The vineyard's proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a unique microclimate that moderates temperature extremes. The estate's varied soil types and exposures contribute to the wine's complexity, with different parcels bringing distinct characteristics to the final blend. This diverse terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, allows for the production of wines that balance power and elegance, a hallmark of Pichon Longueville Comtesse's style.