We had another one of our Sat. wine lunches yesterday, and this was the bottle I brought. It was a bottle I bought on release,
and I know how it’s been stored. There was essentially no ullage, and the fill level was just under the bottom of the cork. Before pouring it, it had been double-decanted for about 3 hours.
It’s still a fairly dark purplish-red color. It’s very aromatic, with a typical Pauillac nose–lots of graphite/lead pencil, earth, and a bit of tobacco, as well as strong blackberry/currant. The taste follows the nose, and it’s still a somewhat more “old school” claret without absurdly unctuous fruit and a good bit of midpalate acidity. The tannins have softened a bit since release, but they still are rather prominent and a bit dense. Not a cocktail wine by any means; this is a wine that really needs food. It’s past its toddler stage and well into early to mid-adolescence. While other bottles might be more advanced, for this bottle I would say that it won’t begin to be “mature” for another 7-10 years. Somewhere between a “wow” and a “wow plus” for now, and I expect at least a “wow plus” in 10 years.
Bruce,
Thanks for the note on a terrific wine. I had this about a month ago along with a 96 Cos, 01 Haut Brion, 00 Palmer, 00 Mouton, 01 Pavie and a few other bordeaux. It was my easily in my top three and really gave the Haut Brion a run for its money. What other vinatges of Lalande should I seek out? Thanks!
Thanks for the TN. I have 3 bottles of this wine and wasn’t planning on opening for several years. Your comments confirmed my belief that these should continue to get their beauty rest for now.
Jared, I’m certainly no expert on Pichon Lalande but a vintage I have enjoyed thoroughly and is more mature is 1990. It is a somewhat polarizing wine since RMP hated it but others have found it to have unique personality and classicly styled. I am in the latter camp.