Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2008

Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2008 (Pauillac, Bordeaux)
13%, Cork, $300
Source: Glass from some kindly persons bottle

A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Like many 08 Bordeaux this has a certain hedonistic warmth and ripeness to it that in some eyes might be more than welcome. I think it just translates into a warmer, more forward wine showing a little heat and a hint of dehydration ala 2003. Horses for courses though as many will love this. I didn’t quite.

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Dark coloured and still embryonic on the nose, this currently shows a little pencil shavings oak over roasted chocolate dark fruit. Roasted probably isn’t correct, more like seared and caramelised a bit. As you’d expect the driver here is the tannins which look rather hulking and drying here, indicating to me small berries and a little cooked fruit.

Hulking, alcohol sweet but quite luscious and jammy I can see the appeal – and no doubt in time this should improve – but for the moment it just looks like a little warmish. Important plus signs regardless, particularly if the tannins settle.

Drink: 2016-2026+
Score: 17.3/20 91/100++
Would I but it? No.