2017 CHATEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE RESERVE DE LA COMTESSE PAUILLAC "The 2017 Réserve de la Comtesse is deep, dark and intense. Charcoal, grilled herbs, smoke, game and licorice add to a real impression of serious power. The 2017 is far more convincing in bottle than it was en primeur. An increase in Cabernet on the property has had a number effects, including moving the Réserve closer to the Grand Vin stylistically. The Cabernet is especially evident today in what is a an important, big second wine. Tasted four times." 92 Points "This is a wonderful second wine, and a real success in a vintage where second wines are often punching below their weight. It's rich, plump, floral-edged and above all extremely drinkable. It has a juicy frame and it delivers. A 2% pinch of Petit Verdot adds spice (and is added only after the press wine, the absolute final step to add depth, if needed). They used no secondary fruit at all. This should be good to go in five to six years. Tasted several times." 92 Points "Some fresh-herb, cedar and berry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Shows tension and structure, though it’s a little green. Second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville Lalande. Best after 2022." 91 Points "The 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it strolls out of the glass with nonchalant notions of preserved red plums, black cherries, kirsch and black raspberries with wafts of wilted roses, cinnamon toast, fallen leaves and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is very pretty, with delicately played tannins and bags of freshness, finishing wonderfully fragrant." 91 Points "Starting with the second wine, the 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse has the hallmark purity and elegance of this estate front and center, showing a deep ruby color, classy notes of blackcurrants, cassis, white flowers, and hints of graphite, medium body, and sweet, polished tannins. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, brought up in 40% new oak, it tastes like a mini-grand vin from this great estate and I suspect will have a broad 15- to 20-year drink window." 91 Points