Pichon Comtesse is situated on the right side of "Route de Vin", opposite Pichon Baron on the left side of the road, just barely one kilometer after leaving St. Julien's town in the direction of Pauillac.
In Bordeaux, among wine people, the name Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is not used in daily conversation; it is just said Pichon Comtesse.
After 29 years of Pichon Comtesse (1978–2007) by the Lencquisaing family, it was sold to the owners of famous champagne producer Roederer at the beginning of 2007. In 2012, major renovations of wine facilities took place. In November 2012, Nicolas Glumineau arrived at the property and was appointed general manager. His previous job was at Chateau Montrose. After a difficult start with the 2013 vintage, he masterminded the 2014, 2015, and 2016 vintages, the latter challenging for being the best vintage since 1961.
Here, you find a good portion of St.Julien's style in Pauillac. It is a very refined, rich, and sophisticated wine. But there is also a lot of Pauillac style with cedar and tobacco leaves from Cabernet Sauvignon. This property has a long history and is well-known and appreciated among Bordeaux lovers for its classic and well-crafted wine.
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2023 Pichon Comtesse (barrel sample) 98–99p
I tasted it three times, the last time in September 2024. Consistent notes. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. 13% alcohol. The nose is characterized by abundant black cherries and blackcurrants, complemented by truffles, mint, and tobacco hints. The wine boasts an impressive structure, finesse, elegance, and a seamless, sophisticated palate with a long-lasting aftertaste. This is undoubtedly an outstanding wine that stands up to the 2022 version.
2022 Pichon Comtesse (barrel sample) 98–100p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2024. Consistent notes. 78% C. Sauvignon, 17% C. Franc, and 5% Merlot. 13.65% alcohol. Nicolas Glumineau told me during the tasting that he’d be very pleased if the newly born wine displayed blue fruit, iris, peonies, and raspberries. That was precisely what happened in 2022! When you add a sophisticated touch, impressive mid-palate, riveting structure and vibrancy, great complexity, and a never-ending aftertaste, then you have superstar wine!
2021 Pichon Comtesse 95p
Tasted three times - last time in April 2024. Consistent notes. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Franc, and 2% Merlot. 12.9% alcohol. This property had to put more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend due to a significant loss on Merlots (coulure and mildew). As a result, the yield was low, at 15 hl/ha. Cabernets had greatly profited from the fine weather conditions in October. Redcurrants, crushed stones, fresh coffee beans, potent yet elegant, medium concentration, fine midpalate, and persistent finish. Very successful for the vintage. It keeps the style after bottling.
2020 Pichon Comtesse 98-99p
Tasted twice - last time in April 2023. Consistent notes. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc I found this wine slightly tighter and with a more pronounced tannic structure than I experienced in the 2018 and 2019 vintages. Nevertheless, we have an incredibly complex, rich, sophisticated, and multilayered creature that needs several decades to develop awesome things.
2019 Pichon Comtesse 99p
Tasted twice - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon + 23% Merlot + 6% Cabernet Franc, 14.12% alcohol Sensual with breathtaking elegance and finesse, refined and sophisticated, long rows of creamy blackcurrants and cherries, spectacular complexity and length, multilayered, noble, and refined. Another magic effort from the property under the guidance of Nicolas Glumineau!
2018 Pichon Comtesse 99p
Tasted twice - last time in December 2020. Consistent notes. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot An epitome of sophisticated touch, elegance, finesse, and richness Velvety texture, silky fruit and tannin, sensuality, and attraction Mind-boggling wine, which imho surpasses 2016 by a bit of margin, but just. It may even get a perfect score from me after bottling. It'll be fun in 4-6 years to compare 2016 and 2018. It has to be the best wine on this property in the last 50 years and Nicolas Glumineau's best vintage he's made!
2017 Pichon Comtesse 97+p
Tasted three times - last time in November 2021. Consistent notes. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. A classy nose of tobacco leaf is creamy, exquisite, and sophisticated, with stunning complexity and elegance. An utterly expressive and impressive wine to enjoy before 2018–2019–2020 is ready to drink!
2016 Pichon Comtesse 98+p
Tasted five times - the last time in April 2019. Consistent notes. IPT (Index Polyphenol Total) was very high in 2016, reaching 81 compared with 74 in 2015. This wine was a showcase, an incredibly styled wine, and a hit. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Impressive nose of blueberry essence, precise and focused, velvety texture, extremely sophisticated and rich, incredible depth and length. A masterpiece by Nicolas Glumineau!
2015 Pichon Comtesse 98p
I tasted it four times, the last time in April 2019. Consistent notes. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The final blend was already made in February 2016. This wine was a standout during two days of UGCB tastings in Bordeaux in April 2016. Six days later, at the property, it showed the same qualities. It is packed with perfectly ripe fruit and tannin and has excellent complexity and length. More concentration, richness, depth, and length than usual, sophisticated, and mega aftertaste. I don't remember Pichon Comtesse being that complex, rich, classy, and stylish in the last 25 vintages. It has an extra dimension, thanks to the perfectly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. It was identical and even more complex when retasted in April 2017, October 2017, October 2018, and April 2019.
2014 Pichon Comtesse 94+p
Tasted five times, last time in February 2018. Consistent notes. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. There is even more pronounced acidity here, great complexity and length, power with a strong backbone, and remarkable depth and finish. Excellent for the vintage.
2013 Pichon Comtesse 89p
Tasted twice, last time in October 2017. Consistent notes. 2013 was Nicolas Glumineau's first vintage and an extremely difficult one. A new cellar wasn't quite ready, and some equipment deliveries were late, so there was some stress among staff. Anyway, Nicolas Glumineau and his team managed to deliver a delicious wine. Extremely rigorous selection resulted in a "minuscule" yield of only 20 hl/ha. The wine's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Roasted or grilled bacon on the nose, tobacco leaves, round, fruity, and spicy. It is already drinkable with a nice fruity finish. This wine is sold out on the property; many restaurants have bought it.
2012 Pichon Comtesse 92p
I tasted it four times, the last time in November 2015. Consistent notes. 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot Quite tight, well-knitted, long, complex, and well-balanced. Fine and smooth finish. Well-made and successful for the vintage.
2011 Pichon Comtesse 91p
I tasted it three times, the last time in October 2015. Consistent notes. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. There is a lot of acidity here, tannic and somewhat dry. This vintage has an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, so patience is required for this wine to soften.
2010 Pichon Comtesse 96p
Tasted twice, last time in October 2016. Consistent notes. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot Powerful, tight, fat fruit and tannin with excellent ripeness, chocolate, dark cherries, a big aromatic nose, perfect length, remarkable depth, complexity, and balance. It's a superbly long finish. A stunning effort for the vintage
2009 Pichon Comtesse 95p
Tasted four times, last time in February 2018. Consistent notes. Perfect sweetness, velvety texture, silky fruit, excellent balance Sophisticated touch to everything in this wine. Very, very impressive. In April 2016, there were figs, voluptuous, splendidly aromatic noses, ripe fruit, spicy, and Cabernet Sauvignon shining through, with splendid length and excellent complexity. There was a little touch of heat in the aftertaste. It was impressive in February 2018, and there was no heat or alcohol in the aftertaste!
2008 Pichon Comtesse 93p
Tasted four times, last time in February 2018. Not consistent notes. 63% C.Sauvignon + 29% Merlot + Cabernet Franc 3% + Petit Verdot 5% Aromatic and rich on the nose. Elegant, silky fruit and velvety tannins; sappy and fleshy; splendid length and aftertaste. It was in October 2009. Eight years later, it's evident that baby fat has gone, and the wine suffers a little bit from overdone vinification and resembles the old style of the property. I have to taste it again in a few years. In February 2008, this wine was back to its best, like in October 2009.
2007 Pichon Comtesse 90p
Tasted in October 2009. 58% C.Sauvignon + 36% Merlot + Cabernet Franc 2% + Petit Verdot 4% An aromatic, gentle, and smooth wine with lovely balance and a round and caressing aftertaste. On the light side but incredibly charming. It will provide early drinking.
2006 Pichon Comtesse 93+p
Tasted in October 2009. 64% C.Sauvignon + 36% Merlot It is a strong, tight, masculine wine that needs time to shed its tannins. I will say hello again to this wine in 10–15 years.
2005 Pichon Comtesse 94+p
I tasted it four times, the last time in April 2016. Consistent notes. 64% C.Sauvignon + 29% Merlot + Cabernet Franc 6% + Petit Verdot 1% According to many wine critics and journalists, controversy surrounds wine, but for my part, I've always liked it. It's soft tannins and isn't as blockbuster as many had expected. Sensual, fleshy, and beautifully crafted wine slowly takes on weight while in the bottle. Exquisite balance and a long, caressing aftertaste. I will keep it for 15 years at least.
2004 Pichon Comtesse 93p
I tasted it twice, last in September 2012. Consistent notes. Deep red. Ripe fruit of high quality, aromatic cherries and blackcurrants. It is pretty marked by oak and tannin, but it keeps its lines very well. It has a strong structure and an intense finish. It needs time to soften, so wait 10 years. High-quality wine.
2003 Pichon Comtesse 92p
I tasted it three times, last in April 2018. Consistent notes. Sun-dried raisins on the nose and palate. There is no trace of overripeness, marmalade, or stewed fruit here. It is a well-proportioned wine with plenty of tannins, a delicate balance, and a firm aftertaste. Great success for the vintage.
2002 Pichon Comtesse 92p
I tasted it four times, the last time in September 2017. Consistent notes. Deep red. Pleasant on the nose with ripe and aromatic fruit (blackcurrants and cherries). Splendid on the palate, with well-composed ingredients, fine structure, and a long aftertaste. Refined and elegant. It's a tremendously fine wine for the vintage.
2001 Pichon Comtesse 91p
Tasted three times, last time in June 2014. Not consistent notes. Deep red. Very aromatic, black cherries, with great sweetness of fruit here. It is sophisticated, elegant, superbly structured, and long on the palate. It is simply a formidable wine. Below par in June 2014.
2000 Pichon Comtesse 96+p
I tasted it in November 2011. It is a stunningly elegant wine full of finesse and sophisticated movements. It is very stylish, with enchanting blackberry fruit. It has great balance, great length, and a caressing aftertaste. May it live forever! Magnificent bottle.
1996 Pichon Comtesse 95p
I tasted it three times, the last time in October 2021. Consistent notes. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon here. Powerful, strong backbone, deep and long on the palate, powerful and tight. This was in 2009. This wine gained more concentration, depth, and richness nine years later. In October 2021, I tasted magnum, which was so classic for the property, with notes of forest floor and cigar box, great complexity and elegance, a sophisticated touch, and an exquisite balance. Impressive stuff.
1995 Pichon Comtesse 94p
Tasted twice, last time in February 2018. Consistent notes. Imposing stuff. Fruity style, remarkable freshness, great complexity and structure, Long finish. It's very successful for the vintage.
1991 Pichon Comtesse 93p
Tasted at the chateau in April 2018. This property's proximity to the Gironde River assures no frost damage to its vineyard. The wine itself had an astonishingly perfumed nose of blackcurrants, lovely complexity, depth, structure, and length, and it tasted exceptionally well.
1990 Pichon Comtesse 90p
I tasted it twice, last time in October 2009. Consistent notes. There is a lot of Cabernet taste in this elegant wine, which has great finesse. It has superb balance and a smooth aftertaste. It may lack more concentration, but the other ingredients here are fine. It is at its peak now.
1989 Pichon Comtesse 94p
Tasted three times, last time in April 2018. Consistent notes. It has the same style as 1990 but with more finesse and sophistication. More depth and a longer aftertaste. Delicious wine. It was in 1996. It tasted better 22 years later, tight, complex, sophisticated, and well-structured. Fully great wine.
1988 Pichon Comtesse 95p
Tasted three times, last time in February 2018. Consistent notes. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot A well-composed, deep, and complex wine. Classy and refined. There is great style here. Tasted again precisely 22 years later, it was still going strong with a fabulous nose of truffles and tobacco leaf, elegant and rich on the palate, with the great distinction of Pauillac terroir. Great wine and clear proof that Bordeaux wines age beautifully and gracefully!
1985 Pichon Comtesse 93p
I tasted it four times, the last time in November 2015. Consistent notes. There is a lovely intensity of spicy blackcurrants and redcurrants, a feminine style with finesse and seductive taste. Delicious wine. A bottle tasted in November 2015 was significantly better than the one from 1996 (last tasted), so this wine gets an upgrade and a big one. Seductive truffles, a lot of sweetness, lovely balance and depth, silky fruit, and tannin Long aftertaste.
1982 Pichon Comtesse 98p
Tasted three times, last time in April 2018. Consistent notes. Potent, fat, and concentrated, rich with enormous depth, complexity, and an incredibly long and persistent finish. This wine has the potential to keep all the strings together for more than 50 years. One of the best examples of the vintage, and one of the very best wines ever for the property, This was in 1996. Twenty-two years later, this wine seems to have some "wrinkles on the face", and it's not that profound anymore. However, it's still an exceptional wine.
1978 Pichon Comtesse 92p
I tasted it twice, the last time in September 2017. Consistent notes. In February 1996, it was dark in color, with much depth on the nose, finesse, and grace. It was Potent and concentrated, very complex, and lengthy. It was impeccably made wine that can stay on top for at least 20 years! Almost 20 years later, it's thoroughly drinkable, mature, and tasty.
1975 Pichon Comtesse 91p
Tasted in September 2017. Light in color, quite mature on the nose and palate, nice complexity and structure.
1970 Pichon Comtesse 96p
Tasted in February 2020. A big, complex, and intense nose of dark cherries, big with truffles on the palate, long and sophisticated. Impressive stuff for a 50-year-old wine that can easily thrill wine freaks for another 10-15 years!
1945 Pichon Comtesse 90p
Tasted in September 2017. Old stuff, but this wine is still alive and drinkable.
1928 Pichon Comtesse 93p
Tasted in November 2002. Lots of cherries, superb elegance, medium-bodied finesse, and the taste of raspberry drops. It is Formidable wine.
Great bottle!
Nicolas Glumineau, manager of Pichon Comtesse since November 2012, was pictured in April 2016.