Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2005

95 points James Suckling
“Irony and smoky intensity on the very youthful nose. Really rich and tannic, but as it flows over your palate it becomes more and more suave and complex. This is a concentrated, long-term wine that demands some patience but should richly reward it.”

96 points Wine Enthusiast
“Barrel Sample. This wine has the finest, dusty tannins that float through the structure. Don’t be deceived, though—this rich, sophisticated wine will age very well, thanks to its weight and power. It also has poised elegance that is so stylish and already attractive.”

93 points Wine Spectator
“A solid rendering, with an ample core of cassis, cherry preserves and plum cake backed by energetic, brambly tannins. A singed apple wood accent on the finish adds range. Shows good cut throughout.”

94 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2014 Pichon-Longueville Baron was broody at first, as if a big ‘No Entry’ sign had been placed in front of the aromatics. But peeking underneath are some wonderful blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas that just sing of Pauillac and exude typicity. The palate is medium-bodied with very impressive depth and concentration on the entry, a superb line of acidity and outstanding precision on the finish. This is clearly fulfilling its potential that it showed from barrel. The only drawback is that it might be unfairly overshadowed by the 2015 Pichon Baron! This will be one of those over-performing Pauillacs, perhaps like the 1990 Pichon Baron, that will delight for years to come.”

94 points Vinous
“A wine of pure sophistication and class, the 2014 Pichon-Longueville Baron exudes depth and intensity from the very first taste. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and licorice all flesh out in the glass. This is a surprisingly ripe style for the vintage. Readers should give the 2014 at least a few years in bottle to come together.”