Chateau Pichon Lalande   Pichon Lalande

2008 Pichon Lalande

By Chateau Pichon Lalande

2008 Pichon Lalande from Château Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

The enthralling 2008 vintage of Pichon Lalande from Château Pichon Lalande bespeaks a year where Bordeaux defied expectations. That season's capricious climate, marked by a mildew-threatened summer followed by an Indian summer of dreams, resulted in wines that were surprisingly fresh and elegantly structured—a testament to this château's masterful touch.

 

Singular Expressions: The 2008 Pichon Lalande Vintage

This remarkable vintage emerged from conditions that called for patience and precision. In a year where the vines' fortunes waxed and waned, the able hands at Château Pichon Lalande captured the essence of their terroir with admirable alacrity. The result is a Pauillac that presents itself with striking finesse, seamless integration of tannins, and a vibrant acidity that promises longevity—key qualities for discerning investors.

 

An Unanticipated Triumph in Bordeaux

The 2008 Pichon Lalande offers an aromatic bouquet that intertwines ripe blackcurrants with hints of cedar and subtle spices—a profile well-suited for evolved palates. The palate unfolds gracefully with layers of complexity; it's a full-bodied effort that showcases a rich tapestry of dark fruit caressed by the oak's vanillin charm without being overshadowed. This harmonious marriage confirms the wine's pedigree and class.

As wine investment grows in sophistication, the 2008 Pichon Lalande stands as a beacon of opportunity. Its evolution over time has been scrutinous; quietly confident, its current plateau of maturity does not belie its potential for further graceful ageing.

A hinge year in the annals of modern Bordeaux vintages, 2008 cast a shadow of doubt only to reveal a paragon of vinous resilience. The 2008 Pichon Lalande represents this narrative with eloquence, offering investors the chance to embrace history while savouring the fruits of exceptional winemaking prowess.

 

In Summary: An Asset for the Astute Collector

Thus stands the 2008 Pichon Lalande as a beacon among Bordeaux vintages. While other years may boast more immediate recollection, it's the subtlety here that intrigues—a narrative spun from climatic challenge turned triumph. For devotees espousing insight and valuation savvy, this nuanced protagonist from Château Pichon Lalande is well deserving of earnest contemplation and cellar selection.

Current market price

£1,400.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

100

Scores and tasting notes

94

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Pichon Lalande 2008 is backward on the nose: tightly coiled blackberry, raspberry, cedar and mint: classic Pauillac fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well knit, a little softer and more forward but very composed with a pure, velvety finish. This is a beautiful, filigree Pauillac that should repay extended cellaring. Tasted January 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012

92

The 2008 is a beauty in the style of the 1988. Although not performing as well as I predicted last year, it is unquestionably an outstanding effort as well as one of the better values from Pichon Lalande in many years. Its dense plum/purple hue is accompanied by sweet aromas of red and black currants, charcoal, herbs, underbrush and a hint of truffles. This medium-bodied, rich, concentrated blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc is an elegant, supple Pichon Lalande that can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011

90

A spicy red, with plum and currant bush character. Medium to full body, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Give this a two or three years to come together.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010

Vintage performance