Réserve de la Comtesse Pauillac 2006 in magnum offers a mature, polished expression of this renowned Left Bank estate. Lifted blackberry and graphite aromas lead to a smooth, supple palate layered with spicy black fruit, sage and mature tannins, finishing with impressive persistence. The 1500ml format is ideal for extended ageing and sharing.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: May 30, 2016
Drink: 2016-2030

Given my derisory tasting notes out of barrel, I was gobsmacked by the showing (blind) of the 2006 Reserve de la Comtesse at Farr Vintners' horizontal. It has a lifted bouquet with blackberry and graphite aromas, strict but focused, aloof even. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, smooth in the mouth, but not quite as complex as the nose suggests, with spicy black fruit, graphite and sage towards the finish. I will seek to re-taste this at a later date to reconfirm this showing. Tasted April 2016. 

Jancis Robinson | JR 16
Published: Apr 22, 2016
Drink: 2016-2028

Tasted blind. Rather dull-looking. Notably sweet cassis on the palate. A bit thick and solid. No magic. Jancis Robinson

Vivino | Vivino 4.1

Complexity, elegance and longevity are the hallmarks of this race. The nose is distinguished by a bouquet of aromas, mixing blackcurrant and violet, vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, the tannins appear mature and melted, revealing a strong and affirmed structure, a surprising suppleness, perfect harmony and long persistency.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: Approximately 13% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2006
Oak: Aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels; proportion of new oak not confirmed for this vintage
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Farming: Sustainable viticulture practices; organic certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande estate, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. The vineyards feature deep gravel soils over clay and sand, providing excellent drainage and favourable conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Vinification: Réserve de la Comtesse is the second wine of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, produced from selected estate vineyard parcels. The grapes are harvested and vinified separately before blending, followed by maturation in French oak barrels. The 2006 vintage offers a classic Pauillac profile, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry and plum, complemented by cedar, tobacco, graphite, leather and earthy nuances. The medium- to full-bodied palate combines savoury fruit, firm yet increasingly integrated tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a structured, persistent finish. With bottle age, tertiary notes of cigar box, forest floor and dried herbs may become more pronounced.
Winemaker: Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande winemaking team
Region: Pauillac AOC, Bordeaux, France

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 30–45 minutes; decant gently and assess the wine's condition
Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef tenderloin, braised short ribs, venison, duck breast, wild mushrooms and aged hard cheeses.