Chateau Pichon Lalande   Pichon Lalande

1999 Pichon Lalande

By Chateau Pichon Lalande

1999 Pichon Lalande from Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The turn of the millennium was bracketed by remarkable vintages in Bordeaux, with the 1999 Pichon Lalande showing an eloquence and luminosity that whisper subtlety rather than roar dominance. While it might not outshine the opulence of its neighbouring years, the 1999 from Chateau Pichon Lalande encapsulates a tranquil sophistication that settles delightfully on the discerning palate.

 

The Artisanal Whisper of 1999

In contrast to some of its more audacious contemporaries, the 1999 Pichon Lalande reveals a more restrained composition. The vintage conditions enforced a lyrical balance between ripeness and acidity, shaping a wine of commendable longevity and innate poise. Investors will find in this bottle a testament to Pauillac's ability to deliver finesse even in less heralded years.

 

Terroir and Temperament: The 1999 Persona

Pauillac's tapestry of deep gravel soils is perennially adept at nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends into esteemed expressions; the '99 vintage is no exception. Its aromatic bouquet – a nuanced medley of black cherry, tobacco and a hint of truffle – enthroned on an elegantly structured frame, captures an ensemble rarely encountered in such equilibrium.

Yet it is the supple tannins and alluring notes of cassis that confirm this wine's investment worthiness; they sing with a matured grace that counters the typical power plays associated with Pauillac’s often unyielding youth. The generous warmth of the vintage lingers in each sip, invoking whispers of savoury-spiced oak which complements rather than competes with the refined fruit procession.

In closing, while one may seek fireworks from showstopper vintages, there is an irresistible charm in the sotto voce delivery of the 1999 Pichon Lalande. Its subtle complexities offer not just a drinkable opus but also an investment-worthy rarity – echoing assurance for those who prefer their portfolio to echo class with understated confidence.

Current market price

£2,050.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

227.78

Scores and tasting notes

89

Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. The '99 Pichon Lalande has another very straight-laced nose that opens up nicely in the glass with scents of blackberry, cedar, wild hedgerow, a touch of sea salt. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, moderate acidity and weight, introverted or perhaps more accurately, understated with a grainy, slightly savoury/tobacco finish. Salty tang on the aftertaste. Just about ticks all the boxes but no fireworks. Drink now-2018. Tasted June 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009

87

The 1999 Pichon Lalande performed inconsistently. This wine is a blend of 47% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot. It offers a complex, evolved bouquet of cedar, underbrush, red currants, and spice box. The dark ruby color is not as saturated as many 1999s, and the wine possesses the weight and style of the 1979 and 1981 (both of which are superior to 1999). There is medium body, excellent ripeness, and an angular finish, without the persistence typically found at this chateau. Anticipated maturity: now-2012.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002

Vintage performance