2008 Ch. Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac

Pichon-Lalande's 2008 is, in our opinion, the chateau's best wine since 2002. With big, soft tannins, good fruit concentration, lots of oaky spice and a juicy, fruity finish, this displays classic Lalande elegance with the rounded, plump, fleshy fruit of the vintage. Not quite as majestic as next-door neighbour Latour's 2008 perhaps, but this is very fine nonetheless.Château Pichon-Longueville Lalande

Black-red, fine, smoky and seductive black fruits nose, very attractively supple extraction, a touch of greenness that will be absorbed by the oak, perhaps more elegance than depth, but the class is there. Drink 2015-24.
(Decanter - Apr-2009)

Dense crimson with a slightly weak rim. Scented, aromatic. Just 29% Merlot but this seems very fleshy and seductive. Not the firmest 2008 though there were dry tannins on the finish. A little lighter than some – a rather different, less dense wine than some more ambitious 2008 Pauillacs – but should give lots of pleasure. Very rich and round and flattering. There is ripeness and real charm here too. Impressive length.
(Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com - Apr-2009)

The 2008 is a beauty in the style of the 1988. Although not performing as well as I predicted last year, it is unquestionably an outstanding effort as well as one of the better values from Pichon Lalande in many years. Its dense plum/purple hue is accompanied by sweet aromas of red and black currants, charcoal, herbs, underbrush and a hint of truffles. This medium-bodied, rich, concentrated blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc is an elegant, supple Pichon Lalande that can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.
The 2008 Pichon Lalande’s final blend was 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Only 38% of the crop made it into the grand vin, and the result is a wine that blows away the 2005. Terrific texture and opulence, forward fruit, sweet tannin, and a lush personality are found in this dense purple-colored 2008 along with copious quantities of sweet berries, roasted coffee, underbrush, black currant, and black cherry fruit. Sensationally pure, textured, and full-bodied, this will be a flamboyant, showy offering in its youth, but it is capable of lasting 20-30 years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Apr-2009)

Currant, mint and prune, with hints of wet earth. Full and velvety, with lots of fruit and silky, firm tannins. Long finish. Very pretty.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - Apr-2009)