Reserve de Pichon Comtesse, Pauillac, FR, 2022

The 2022 Réserve de la Comtesse is fabulous. Vibrant and impeccable in its balance, the 2022 is so impressive, mostly because of its balance. In some recent years the Réserve has been quite potent, but the 2022 leans more into the realm of sophistication, and polish. Hints of dark-fleshed fruit, licorice, lavender and spice linger. Don't miss it. Tasted four times.

The 2022 Réserve de la Comtesse represents half the total production from the vineyard due to a stricter selection of the Merlot. It has a perfumed, floral bouquet with blueberry, violet and light cassis scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. Very sensual with touches of graphite and espresso toward the harmonious finish. You could almost drink this now!

Like a number of second wines from the best classified growths, the 2022 Resèrve de la Comtesse shares much of the personality of the grand vin this year, delivering aromas of blackberries, violets and exotic spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy palate with a rich core of fruit framed by powdery tannins.

The second wine of Comtesse de Lalande, the 2022 Pichon Comtesse Réserve is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Ripe black and blue fruits as well as some chocolaty, tobacco nuances define the aromatics, and it's a rich, full-bodied, velvety textured second wine that's going to drink brilliantly right out of the gate.

This is well worth seeking out. Tasted twice.

The 2022 Pichon Comtesse Reserve is made from 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant scents of juicy black plums, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves, plus hints of black cherries, cedar chest, and lavender.

The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with perfumed black fruit preserves, supported by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on an earthy note. pH 3.8.

Drink 2027 - 2049

Fully ripe fruits, smoky and creamy character with charred raspberry and cassis, violet-edged, pencil lead, bitter chocolate, cocoa dust. An impressive wine, tannins close in a little tightly on the finish, with dried rosemary and black pepper spicy translating the heat of the vintage. 31hl/h yield, 3.65ph.

Drink 2027 - 2040

The density of fruit is serious with blackcurrants, black berries, crushed stone and coffee beans. Yet it’s not heavy and overdone. The palate is full and rich, but also agile and weightless, with tannins that are spread and pretty.