Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande – Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) 2015

Vinification: Vast vineyards of 76 hectares, stretching south of Pauillac towards Saint-Julien, share the landscape with Château Latour. The wines are defined by elegance and finesse. Temperatures were closely managed throughout fermentation and maceration to achieve an aromatic, silky result, with an excellent balance of alcohol, tannins and acidity. Minimal malolactic fermentation preserved freshness. Maceration lasted 18–24 days, followed by 18 months in predominantly new French oak. A late bud break led to a swift flowering and veraison, with harvesting from 10 September to 8 October at perfect ripeness.

Tasting note: A well-balanced, supple and powerful Pauillac with a smooth yet finely structured profile is its hallmark. Elegant and highly complex, it presents aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, complemented by hints of violet and cedar. On the palate, blackcurrant-led flavours are expressed with depth and rounded richness, supported by beautifully controlled, well-crafted tannins and ending in a lively, satisfying finish.