1996 Chteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Chteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a Second Classified Growth of Pauillac.

the 1996 vintage is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.

To produce the wine of Chateau Pichon Lalande, the vinification takes place in 70, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats that vary in size that range from as small as 50 hectoliters and increase in size to 50, 70, 80, 120 and even 150 hectoliter vats. This allows for very precise fermentation work. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank. Aged 60% new oak for 18 months.

The vineyard is divided into 100 separate parcels in which planting is dictated by terrain and soil structure. Four varietals are planted which are used to source the wines of Pichon Lalande, their second wine, Pichon Comtesse Reserve (previously named Reserve de la Comtesse), and a miniscule bottling of a third wine, Les Gartieux de Pichon Lalande. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on gravel rises at the top of slopes, while Merlot is planted in sandy gravel soils on cool, damp clay subsoils. Cabernet Franc thrives on the soils with higher clay content with excellent sun exposure. Petit Verdot is the most weather-sensitive varietal grown on the Medoc but thrives on sandy-gravel soils. This varietal is planted closest to the estuary or where it is protected by other plots. The blend becomes a concentrated, full-bodied, smooth wine that expresses intense minerality, depth and richness the very essence of its terroir.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Chteau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is located on Bordeauxs Left Bank, in the world-renowned Pauillac appellation. Under the 1855 Classification, which Napoleon III requested for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, Pichon-Lalande falls under the Deuximes Grands Crus Classs, or Second Classified Growth category.

Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Pichon Longueville Baron were once one large property.