Château Pichon-Longueville, Lalande
1989
Level: into neck (1)
2008 (3)
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1995
Level: into neck; signs of old seepage, wine stained label (1)
Château Gruaud-Larose 1986
Level: top shoulder (1)
6 bottles per lot

Type: Red Wine
Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux

ABOUT THE WINE
Vines were planted on the area to become known as the Pichon estate in the late 17th century by Pierre de Rauzan, the father in-law of Jacques de Pichon. Pichon soon inherited the land and due to its close geographical as well as quality proximity to Latour the wine soon garnered an excellent reputation. After the death of Baron Jean-Pierre de Pichon in 1850 at the age of 95, the Pichon estate was divided with three-fifths going to the three daughters, becoming "Lalande" and the remainder to the two sons or the "Baron" side. The modern era and rebirth of Pichon-Lalande was ushered in when Madame May-Elaine de Lenscquesaing assumed majority control bringing on exacting controls, numerous improvements and personally leading the blind tasting during assemblage. High percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well as a good portion of the vineyards lying in St. Julien allow for a complex and supple style with distinctive aromas of olive, crème de cassis and cedar. While concentration and depth are provided for by the relatively high extract in the winemaking as well as the significant Petit Verdot component added to the Cabernet Sauvignon backbone.