2014 Pichon Comtesse Réserve
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This sneaks into the value category, certainly if you are looking to find a way of getting 1855 classified glamour and brilliance at a more affordable price. It's a wine that we open regularly at home - luscious black fruits, cherry pit and fennel, grippy enough to be a Pauillac but open enough for drinking now. This was the longest harvest on record because they had brought in true plot-by-plot picking at this point, stretching from September 16 to October 14, and the first year in their new cellar.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Black fruit and lots of sweet toasty oak. Tea-leaf scent on the palate, the tannins a little firmer than needed to match the depth of the fruit core but it is just in balance. I think the tannins may outlast the fruit. I marked it down half a point on retasting. (JH)
The 2014 Réserve de la Comtesse has a slightly meaty/dried blood scented bouquet that lacks the delineation and charm of Tourelles de Longueville. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, austere but there is a decent line of acidity and sufficient fruit on the finish to maintain balance. It just lacks excitement and a sense of energy. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Light, correct, classic nose. Rather loose but lots of ripe fruit even if there is not that much tannin. The Merlot comes through. Very easy to like in the short term. (JR)