1981 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
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Saturday, November 18, 2023 - This is ready now, but you must be patient with a 2 hour decant.
Off the coast of Greece four miles out, sun almost gone and the memory of this wine...
As I swirl the ruby elixir within the delicate confines of a crystal goblet, the 1981 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande whispers tales of opulence and a summer's enchantment. This vintage, like a mellifluous jazz melody, carries nuances of refinement, beckoning to a connoisseur's heart and a romantic's soul.
The first encounter with this exceptional Bordeaux evokes memories of an era drenched in romance and the thrill of high adventure. A mere sip, and I am transported back to the sun-kissed summer of 1981, a mere lad of 16, when I traversed the cobblestone paths of my uncle's chateau. Amidst the verdant vineyards and the fragrant gardens, a tale unfolded—an exquisite love story with a captivating French maiden twenty years my senior.
Much like the wine's complex layers, her presence mirrored the intricate notes of blues and jazz, a symphony of passion and grace. It was amidst the allure of the chateau's grandeur that we discovered our own harmonious duet—a summer of love, entwined in the embrace of the French countryside.
Today they call it something else, but in those days we called it a blessing lads.
The 1981 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a blend predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, unveils a medley of flavors that resonate with sophistication. With the first sip, the senses are greeted by a bouquet reminiscent of dark cherries, ripe plums, and a subtle whisper of cedar, evoking the allure of an antique mahogany guitar resonating through the night.
Much like the resonating chords of a guitar in a smoky jazz club, the wine's palate dances with a symphony of flavors. Rich black currants intermingle with hints of tobacco and a whisper of leather, harmonizing in perfect balance, reminiscent of the complexity found in a blues improvisation.
The tannins, akin to the velvet texture of a jazz melody, embrace the palate with a gentle yet persistent presence, offering structure and depth that linger like the memories of that unforgettable summer. The wine's elegant finish, with a touch of spice and a lingering echo of dark fruits, leaves an indelible impression—a testament to its finesse and timeless allure.
As I raise my glass to the stars, the reminiscence of that summer night intertwined with the beauty of this wine brings forth an undeniable nostalgia—a tribute to the serendipitous convergence of chance and intellect that shapes our destinies.
In conclusion, the 1981 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is not merely a wine; it's a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that defines a moment, capturing the essence of a bygone era—a blend of elegance, passion, and the indelible memories of a summer love affair.
NOTE TO SELF: 2 HOUR DECANT, GLASS BY GLASS
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