2014 Reserve De La Comtesse 6 Pack

92 POINTS

Stephen Brook - Decanter

The excellence of this second wine vindicates the appointment of Nicolas Glumineau as technical director in 2012. The nose shows black fruit aromas, and there's immediate, lush, forward fruit on the attack. It's suave and concentrated, but also remarkably deep, weighty, robust and structured, with a long finish - this has clear ageing potential. Date 2017-11-11

92 POINTS

James Suckling

Rose-petal, cassis-bush and berry aromas. Medium to full body, tangy acidity and a soft and velvety mouthfeel. Round and friendly. Second wine of Pichon Lalande. Drink in 2019.

92 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2014 Reserve de La Comtesse is a delicious second wine. Soft, open-knit and caressing, the 2014 offers striking textural depth to balance its dark red/purplish fruit. Spice, tobacco, menthol and licorice wrap around the juicy, super-expressive finish. A burst of aromatic freshness gives the wine its sense of proportion. The Reserve de La Comtesse is one of Bordeaux's most polished second wines, which, among other things, makes it an ideal red to drink over the next decade or so. The blend is 59 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 41 % Merlot.

91 POINTS

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

The 2014 Reserve de Comtesse de Lalande has a very fresh and vibrant bouquet with lovely cedar-infused black fruit that sings of Pauillac-ness (apologies for the made-up word!). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp and elegant with a keen line of acidity. This feels quite linear at the moment and perhaps the finish could have dealt more complexity commensurate with the aromatics. Yet there is bundles of freshness infused into this Deuxième Vin and there is a palpable salinity on the aftertaste.

90 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Deep, with a core of steeped plum, cassis and raspberry paste notes that are easily carried by a graphite spine, while anise and roasted apple wood details fill in the background. Shows lots of briary energy through the finish. Best from 2018 through 2026.

90 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2014 Réserve de la Comtesse has a slightly meaty/dried blood scented bouquet that lacks the delineation and charm of Tourelles de Longueville. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, austere but there is a decent line of acidity and sufficient fruit on the finish to maintain balance. It just lacks excitement and a sense of energy. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

90 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

A rich, vibrant and reflective violet colour, with high aromatics. There's great body and potential here: an enjoyable, flattering wine that delivers good complexity alongside pleasure. 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot.

Jancis Robinson MW

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Light, correct, classic nose. Rather loose but lots of ripe fruit even if there is not that much tannin. The Merlot comes through. Very easy to like in the short term. Score: 16.5/20