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| Pichon LaLande: A Super Second Vertical |
Tuesday May 16, 2002
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Speaker: Charles Rubinstein, Wine writer and Pichon Lalande Authority
Everyone agrees that Pichon is the classic Super Second of Bordeaux. Michael Broadbent thinks highly of the wines and calls them "marvelous." Robert Parker says, "Pichon is unquestionably the most popular and since 1978, one of Pauillac's most consistently brilliant wines." The common characteristic of these wines is elegance and black fruit, especially currants. The blend contains one of the highest percentages of Merlot in the Medoc, which may account for their elegance, grace and sensuality.
Wines are listed in the order of presentation. The 20 attendees were asked to vote for their three favorite wines in the tasting. These wines were purchased at auction, so retail prices are not available; prices for current vintages run around $90-$100. Notes are a combination of the speaker's and Jonathan Levine's.
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| Wines |
Votes |
1996
Due to the poor flowering of the Merlot, the blend contains 75% Cabernet. A lovely nose for such a young wine. Accessible, round and youthful. Very fragrant with black fruits, tobacco and oak. The aroma of cassis, green pepper and blackberries is noted. Excellent balance. |
7 |
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1994
A serviceable vintage that is normally reasonably priced and ready to drink. More closed than the 1996. A lean and angular wine with sweet fruit and coffee notes. The wine opens in the glass and both plums and vanilla are discernable. A slight hint of tar and perfume. High acids. A winner in this mediocre vintage. |
0 |
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1991
Aroma of cedar, spice and smoke. Woodsy notes and taste. There are traces of chocolate and plums. An amazing wine from such a poor vintage. |
6 |
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1990
Very tight and closed. Sweet and ripe fruit. Opulent with a bouquet of violets and spice. Good mouth feel with a taste of plums. Very elegant and full-bodied. Quite fresh and lively. |
0
1989 Corked 0 |
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1986
Coffee, cedar and tobacco leap out of the glass. Dark color. A voluptuous wine that is still tannic and on the hard side. Given the wine's reputation, I was a bit disappointed with this bottle. Others thought it gracious and charming. |
7 |
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1985
A hugh surprise. Just lovely, soft, round, sexy, velvety and complex. Layer upon layer of fruit. Both length and depth. Viscous and elegant with cassis notes. Very well balanced. I wish all wines tasted like this. |
15 |
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1983
The only thing wrong with this vintage is that it followed the 1982. Another complex and sensuous wine. Some browning but still youthful fruit. Jammy cassis and plum notes. More cedar and tobacco in the mouth. Elegant. |
5 |
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1982
Everyone's favorite. Dark color. Some musty notes at first but they blow off and the wine opens a melange of fruit aromas. Quite aromatic. Fleshy, lively and lush. This is a wine that lives up to the hype of the vintage. Long lingering finish. Bravo! |
19 |
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1978
Muddied in color with a light rim. Notes of tobacco, cedar and chocolate. Very ripe fruit but the wine is at its peak. |
4 |
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1975
Brickish color. Slightly faded but still showing sweet fruit and a rounded texture. Not tired. More cedar and cassis in both the aroma and on the palate.
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