VINOUS TOP 100 #3 - CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2020
Why Buy: The #3 wine in Vinous's Top 100 of 2024 has been a much-buzzed-about wine over here this year. Sipping is believing. Conceived in an absolutely epic vintage for Bordeaux, it delivers all the Pauillac power you could hope for, along with heady aromatics, a lush and velvety texture, ultra-refined tannins, and seemingly endless length.
What They're Saying: Neal Martin, in Vinous' Top 100 commendation, was unqualified in his admiration: "Nicolas Glumineau oversaw a sensational Pauillac that not only challenges the First Growth, but perhaps even surpasses them. A benchmark wine for this historic estate." His previous assessment was no less ecstatic. "A fabulous Pauillac that flirts perfection," he gushed, in his 99-point review, going on to hail its "svelte tannins," "silver bead of acidity," "silky smooth texture," and "impressive composure," writing that it "improves with each swirl."
The Story: Few estates embody the evolution of Bordeaux quite like Pichon-Lalande. What began, in 1850, as Virginie de Lalande's vision for a different kind of Pauillac – one that would emphasize grace alongside power – has become, under Nicolas Glumineau's impeccable leadership, a yearly showcase of precision. The 89-hectare vineyard, with its enviable position on the plateau of Pauillac, continues to yield wines of striking depth and nuance. But it's in the cellar where Glumineau has made his most striking contributions, bringing a scientist's rigor and an artist's sensitivity to the winemaking process. The 2020 vintage stands as irrefutable proof that this beloved estate is in the best hands possible.
What to Pair It With: You’ll want something substantial on the table when you uncork this – a perfectly seared ribeye, say, or a pot of slow-braised lamb shanks, or a luscious pork in adobo. The wine's structure and complexity can handle the most robust flavors, while its elegant texture complements rather than overwhelms.
Fun Fact: The estate's striking château was actually built by a wine merchant rather than nobility – Baron Raoul de Pichon-Longueville constructed it in 1851 for his wife.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in 8-12 weeks. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NV, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024.