2003 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

95 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com

“This has very ripe fruit, but not overripe. Hints of prunes but mostly currants and spices on the nose, mainly cinnamon. Full-bodied with firm tannins yet polished and velvety. It still has an incredible freshness. I love it.”

95 Points - Wine Advocate, Wine Advocate

“Made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, this spectacular 2003 hits all the sweet spots on the palate. A glorious bouquet of cedarwood, jammy black currants, cherries, licorice and truffle is followed by a dense, opulently textured, full-bodied wine with terrific purity and freshness as well as deep, velvety textured tannins.”

94 Points - Jane Anson, Decanter

“The real surprise for me in this lineup, with clear sweetness to the fruit. It is ripe in character, reflecting the heat of the vintage, touches of fig and prune, a ton of chocolate and cinnamon spice layering on the gourmet appeal. Less grip than many of the vintages on display here, with a softness to the tannins and cured leather notes that suggest it is ageing relatively quickly, but still alive and kicking and giving pleasure right now, and they have teased crushed mint leaf out of the finish.”

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com

“One of my favorite estates, Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande have turned out a beautiful 2003 that shows none of the negative characteristics of this dry, incredibly hot vintage. Cassis, cedar wood, lead pencil and loads of spice give way to a full-bodied, surprisingly elegant, ethereally textured beauty that has notable purity and balance.”