A classic Pauillac with old-school charm, the 1999 vintage shows the elegance of maturity. Aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, violets, and blackcurrant lead the way, backed by hints of pencil shavings and soft oak. Medium-bodied and structured, it’s more restrained than opulent, with earthy, smoky tones and firm acidity keeping everything in line. Approachable now, this vintage pairs beautifully with food and offers a refined glimpse into Bordeaux's soulful side.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Sep 30, 2009
Drink: 2009-2016

Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience’s Pichon-Lalande vertical in London. A deep garnet core with moderate brick rim. It has a quintessential Pauillac nose, the Cabernet Sauvignon driving it along with lots of cedar and tobacco. It lacks a little lift and personality perhaps. The palate is medium-bodied, quite tarry and smoky on the entry, good acidity, crisp and a little surly perhaps, not as fleshy as Pichon Lalande can be. Focused, quite linear, again with that tobacco leaf coming back on the finish. Rather austere and conservative although it would complement food with aplomb. Drink now-2016. Tasted December 2008.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Jun 25, 2009
Drink: 2008-2020

Dark crimson. Dense and sweet and rich with a little bit of dust. Not as refreshing as Les Forts tasted just beforehand but much more dramatic and successful than most 1999s. Long and sweet. 

Vivino | Vivino 4.4

The wine is seductive when young without prejudicing its longevity. As well as an oaky flavour imparted by new oak barrels, the wines show inimitable aromas of tobacco, violets, blackcurrant and ripe fruit, and also hints of pencil lead.

Pichon-comtesse.com

« Like the creation of a brand-new blend, music, through its vibrations and the unique way it resonates, has this incredible power of plunging us into our inner silence, into our most intimate emotions.
Each tune chosen forges close ties with wine and history, our history, that of Pichon Comtesse. Where were we? What did we feel? Which path did we take? And what about you? What will you feel? That’s how wine is set to music… » Nicolas Glumineau

1999 - Jean-Sébastien Bach – Violin Concerto No.1 in A Minor

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Vintage: 1999
Oak: French oak barrels; exact new-oak proportion not confirmed for this vintage
Varietals: 47% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande estate, Pauillac; deep Garonne gravel soils over clay subsoil
Harvest: Late September–early October 1999; older Cabernet Sauvignon vines harvested in early October
Vinification: Temperature-controlled fermentation in concrete vats, with parcel-by-parcel vinification and careful extraction
Ageing: Aged in French oak barrels; exact duration and new-oak proportion for this vintage not confirmed
Winemaker: Not confirmed for the 1999 vintage
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Classification: 2ème Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth), 1855 Classification

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: Stand upright for 24 hours before opening. Decant gently shortly before serving to separate sediment; avoid prolonged aeration
Food Pairing: Roast beef, rack of lamb, venison, duck, game birds, braised beef, mushrooms, truffle dishes and mature hard cheeses