PLL vertical

Tasted Friday, September 5, 2025 by melvinyeowq with 109 views

Introduction

Organised a PLL vertical which reinforced my view that this is one of my favourite Bordeaux producers. So consistent with so much character (possibly from the high Merlot blend, although its signature is the lifted pyrazine note that provides a little magic). Most of all, I always love the pretty red-fruited character that is rare in Bordeaux. Other than the '82 as the obvious favourite, the best of the rest was a tight call but I liked the '00, '95 and '79 as the best of the rest.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2011 Domaine Georges Vernay Condrieu Coteau de Vernon Flawed

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

    Unfortunately premoxed to hell.

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  • 1991 Domaine Joseph Voillot Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru

    I was oscillating between northern Rhone (savoury and sauvage notes) and Burgundy (sweetness on the finish) but eventually went for the former. When revealed to be Burgundy I thought it was a CdB from the late '80s because of the structure and tannins. Agree with PCLIN who brought it that this was youthful and had GC stature.

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  • 2018 Roagna Barbaresco Albesani 90 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

    Brought as an extra. Guesses were all over the place from Loire and Bordeaux but Pavel nailed it as Barbaresco. Most thought it was older but I thought this was quite primary with sweet brambly strawberry fruit. Refined tannins as usual with Roagna but this didn't have the extra dimension of Roagna's better plots.

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Flight 2 (2 Notes)

Flight 3 (2 Notes)

  • 1988 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Probably the most classic wine tonight with the most pyrazine note (that I don't mind). Started off elegant and resolved but fruit faded to show some uneven tannins as the previous note mentioned. I am a big fan of '88 but some will think that this is past peak.

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  • 1989 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    My contribution. Very tannic at first (as with most recent '89s interestingly..) that obscured the fruit, but softened with air. Not sure if the red fruit will fully reveal itself beneath the structure but give this a lot of air if you're opening it. Most left-bank of them all tonight with the most pencil lead and savoury notes.

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Flight 4 (2 Notes)

  • 1995 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Brought for a friend. This was more powerful and masculine compared to my previous experiences with blueberry and liquorice notes. Interesting to compare with the more feminine '96 alongside, preferences were evenly split among the table. I preferred the '96 initially but preferred the '95 at the end which had much more depth.

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  • 1996 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    I came late so probably missed the peak for this wine, apparently this was singing on first glass. Initially this was rich, plush and decadent without being modern, preferred this over the '95 because of the elegance but lost structure and became a little loose with air.

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Flight 5 (2 Notes)

  • 2000 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    I decided to pair this with the '82 and this acquitted itself well. Some pyrazine notes with beautifully layered fruit that was slightly darker than the other wines. Brilliant intensity albeit a little reserved, this has wonderful potential and balance and was my second favourite on the night.

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  • 1982 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Brought this to share for a friend as I accidentally won a few bottles of this. Ex-chateau release in '93 according to the cork, this was more structured and tight compared to previous bottles with obvious tannins. Thankfully my worries were unfounded with air as the nose revealed a beautiful, explosive bouquet with the signature pyrazine note that added a wonderful character. Second glass was seamless and harmonious as the tannins faded to reveal some smoky dark red fruit. Very few wines put a smile on my face but this one consistently does. Was wondering if I had buyer's remorse but very glad I have many more left.

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