Vinous

• By Stephen Tanzer
  May/June 2005, IWC Issue #120 (link)

  (Chateau Pichon Lalande Pauillac Reserve de la Comtesse) Subscribe to see review text.

JancisRobinson.com

• By Jancis Robinson, MW
  4/7/2005 (link)

  (Ch Pichon Lalande (Comtesse), Réserve de la Comtesse Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  7/1/2008 (link)

  (RESERVE DA LA COMTESSE Pichon-Lalande) Pichon-Lalande Dear Friends, From the outset, it was obvious that Pichon-Lalande's 2004s were stronger than their 2005s and they were the only major Chateau I visited in the spring of 2006 that was reluctant to show their 2005 up against their 2004. At the Chateau they knew what they had in 2004 (one of the strongest wines of the vintage) and the most telling fact was the quality of the 2004 Reserve de la Comtesse - many preferred it to the 2005 Pichon-Lalande Grand Vin - telling indeed. Fast-forward a few years and I remembered the head-to-head match up when I ordered a split of the 2004 Reserve de la Comtesse at lunch in London a few months ago - it did not disappoint. It made me nostalgic for the days when most classified growth Bordeaux could be had for prices like this and the most important aspect to the wine (one that was lost in the 2003 and completely absent in the 2002 Reserve de la Comtesse) was the distinct reflection of all things Pauillac - this was real Bordeaux and I could drink it for 10 pounds sterling. Fast-forward once again to this morning and I've uncovered the perfect summer red wine - a parcel of the 2004 Reserve de la Comtesse in half-bottles, Pichon's over-achiever in 2004, ready for a lazy picnic afternoon or spontaneous gathering of your choice. Splits of quality are some of the most difficult items to find in the wine trade (most of you know what I mean) and this parcel has been perfectly stored since release last year. It's drinking well now and is a half bottle you can count on when a wine of substance is required but you don't want to dig into your very best stash. A true Pauillac that doesn't cost a small fortune: This wine sold very quickly to the trade upon release as the quality was more than obvious - there's hardly any left in half-bottle format so take advantage: VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a split of genuine quality and interest: 2004 Reserve de la Comtesse (Pichon-Lalande) 375ml Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Bord6140

Wine Library TV

• By Gary Vaynerchuk
  Wines From Pauillac. Bordeaux most important wines?, Episode #301, 8/27/2007 (link) 90 points

  (RESERVE DE LA COMTESSE) #3; COLOR-beautiful ruby; NOSE-awkward; pine cone & cherry pie; quite tight; TASTE-very serious on the attack; great tannins on the mid-palate; little hot; the fruit is under massive layers of tannins; great age potential (7-15 yrs. easily); extraordinary bright raspberry/cherry flavors on the mid-palate; finishes w/ a seductive creaminess; has Guts & Glamour (G squared); really rich, explosive fruit; great for Cabernet lovers; exceptionally well-made for $30; a little green component (celery root action); RP-88/90; GV-90

RJonWine.com

• By Richard Jennings
  6/6/2007 (link) 90 points

  (Réserve de la Comtesse) Red violet color; elegant cassis nose; tasty, good light-medium bodied palate of tart cherry and well integrated oak; medium finish