Pichon: Baron vs. Comtesse
Tasted Friday, May 7, 2010 by Loren Sonkin with 1,770 views
Introduction
Last night my tasting group met to compare the wines of Pichon Longueville, the Baron vs. Comtesse*. All wines were consumed blind over the course of a couple hours. The wines were popped and poured. I found it interesting that for myself, I rated the Baron wines ahead of the Comtesse with the exception of an under-performing 89. I had the Baron wines 1, 2, and 3 on my scorecard. All of the wines were good to great and certainly, there is some value to be found in both these houses compared to first growth pricing.
Flight 1 (2 Notes)
A couple of whites to start:
Flight 2 (7 Notes)
In a weird quirk of fate, the wines were served blindly having all the Comtesse first followed by the Baron.
Flight 3 (2 Notes)
Some wines to finish:
Closing
* Excerpted from http://www.pichon-lalande.com/uk/history/
The Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville decided to share the domain between his five children. In a spirit of equality, he applied a very simple mathematical rule. His two sons would receive two fifths of the vineyard and its equipment, and his three daughters would receive the other three fifths. However, in the absence of descendants, only two children finally inherited the property: Raoul inherited the part destined for the sons, Virginie for the daughters.
After a period of several years during which the property was administered by the Baron Raoul de Pichon Longueville, the rupture was effective. From then on the lands of Pichon Longueville would have two very different futures.
Anticipating this indivision, Virginie married Count Henri de Lalande, and took over the control of the domain, the Count giving her independence and the title of Comtesse de Lalande. From 1840, wishing to remain in the heart of the Médoc on the land of Pichon Longueville, the ordered the Bordeaux architect, Duphot to design a residence inspired by the Hôtel de Lalande in Bordeaux where her husband had spent his childhood. Her passion for vines and the quality of her management made her a strong personality in the Médoc in the last century, leaving her mark on the domain that has kept her name.
2006 Château Thieuley Bordeaux Blanc Sec 87 Points
France, Bordeaux
A 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Golden color. The nose was nice with lime peel and a bit waxy. Also some dustiness. Nice on the palate, kind of citrusy. Decent acidity. Nice finish. A very pleasant opener.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2005 Château Rieussec R Flawed
France, Bordeaux
Not sure what happened here.I think an off bottle as I doubt this fell off the table this quickly. The nose was absent. A slight honeyed note maybe. On the palate, this is flabby and bitter with some diesel notes.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue