Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
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Formerly part of one estate with Pichon-Baron, Pichon Lalande was thrust into the spotlight early and continually through to today due to unparalleled class for any wine outside of the first growths. With new investment from owners of Louis Roederer in the mid 2000s, Pichon-Lalande has entered the 21st century with a mission to continue the legendary stature of the estate.
Pichon-Baron and Pichon-Lalande (Comtesse) were borne of the death of Baron Joseph de Pichon-Longueville in 1850. The estate was then split into the two children - Virginie and Raoul. The latter inherited the Baron title, while Virginie married the Comte de Lalande, and thus, two top estates.
What separates the two, other than a short distance, is the overall blend; Pichon-Lalande is known to have a larger portion of Merlot (about 35% planted versus 25% for Baron), and the wines have historically been made in a more delicate fashion, focusing less on extraction than on fine tannins and aromatics. Pichon-Baron had a period of down years in the early 20th century, but rebounded strongly with new investment in the 1980s. Certainly Cabernet Sauvignon plays a larger role for Pichon-Baron, and it is preferred by many who like a firmer structure - and a slower development - in comparison to the earlier-approachable Lalande.
Today, both are viewed as top Bordeaux houses, not too far away in proximity - or stylistic excellence - from Latour.
