Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac, Bordeaux, 2009

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Elegant oaky nose, with a slight but gentle herbaceousness; black fruits and floral tones too. Quite rich, though there is a slight greenness. Lean and peppery, with a slight lack of flesh and succulence. Lacks drive and vigour, and overall a bit feeble and simple for a classed growth. Rather short.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Typical Pauillac nose, powerful, with black fruits and graphite, very ripe. On the palate quite spicy, plenty of tannin but nothing austere or aggressive. Just a little short of true concentration on the mid-palate and a touch of greenness too.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Nicely pronounced blackcurrant fruit, still some acidity, quite burly and robust style. Good solid fruit, but acidity and tannins a bit raw, will always be a bit rough.