What's Pressoir Drinking?

Chateau Pichon Longueville-Comtesse de Lalande Pauillac 2005

A few years ago, I acquired a lot at an auction that consisted in a vertical of one of my favorite Bordeaux properties. Often referred to as “Pichon Comtesse”, this second growth on the 1855 ranking system, a classification I agree could use an update, always delivers. The lot I won included a few 2008s, offering excellent balance of tannins and fruit although a bit shy on the palate. A single bottle of 2003 was also part of it and displayed the expected stewy, plummy quality from such an exceptional vintage, remembered for its unusual heat waves in the country, sometimes producing raisiny grapes.

Last Saturday, though, I finally opened the more sought-after 2005 and the only bottle I won in this parcel. That was a reminder that I should drink more Bordeaux. The wine jumped out from the glass, a sign that it achieved a peak in its aging process. While I was decanting it, I could smell the generous aromas of the gorgeous Pauillac. On the nose and the palate, the explosive character was reaffirmed. Lots of irresistible sweet fruit, cigar box and spice mix, all delicately wrapped up in the most noble lacy texture.

As a Burgundy-focused drinker, I often shy away from opening a bottle of Bordeaux because tannins are not my best friends. But, just like the winegrower who harvests the fruit at the perfect maturity, opening a bottle that has reached its peak is a divine experience. Tannins soften up and leave just enough grip to make the wine textured, but not hard.

Bordeaux doesn’t have to be that serious!