Pichonlalande

Jorge Ferráez

IRECENTLY had a very interesting chat with Charles Fournier, Commercial and Marketing Director from Chateau Pichon Longuville Comtesse de Lalande, one of my favorite wines. Since they finished their new facility in the center of the vineyards in Pauillac, France they have been improving the details for production quality. But, how much can you improve on the quality of a wine that is already a legend? “We want to increase production, so we want to focus on maintaining and improving the quality. Things like better temperature control, smoother extraction processes, richer soils, biodynamic practices, less plumbing and more gravity use for moving the wine, etc.” They have renamed the second label as Pichon Comtesse Reserve, and made a refresh on the label design of the Grand Vin. This conversation made me crave for a glass of this great wine.

CAHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2002

• Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc
• Price: $230
• Aromas: White pepper, red currant, cherry
• Impression: Elegant, big, sophisticated
• Structure: Round, delicate, fruity and spicey
• Drink with: Filet Mignon with green peppercorn sauce, Duck Confit, Beef Burgignon
• Why I loved this wine? It is a beautiful, expressive and balanced wine.
• My Rating: 95 pts.

OREMUS “MANDOLAS” TOKAJI FURMINT 2018

• Region: Tokaji, Hungary
• Varietal: Furmint
• Price: $29
• Aromas: Pear, peach and citrus fruit.
• Impression: Fresh, clean, vibrant
• Structure: Light and medium body
• Drink with: Shrimp Cocktail, Sushi, creamy cheeses
• Why I loved this wine? It is savory and has a long finish
• My Rating: 90 pts.

SHAFER RED SHOULDER RANCH 2018 “25 ANNIVERSARY LABEL”

• Region: Napa, CA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Price: $52
• Aromas: Apricot, valentine, pineapple
• Impression: Rich and creamy, exotic.
• Structure: Balanced, round
• Drink with: Salmon any style Goat cheese salad with walnuts, grilled vegetables.
• Why I loved this wine? Fresh, stylish, pleasant.
• My Rating: 93 pts.