Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2004

When I was in Paris earlier in the year, they had a fair amount of 2004 sitting on the shelf.  This could be as a result of the huge Parker points given to the 05s.  Now I would say that the 04s look really good and provide a huge amount of value.  These are not flashy wines, like the 05s, but rather wines to savor and contemplate.

Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2004

The wine effortlessly flows, on a medium body, with a little mixed berry, pipe tobacco, kitchen herbs and spicy spring flowers.  It is not a wine that will bowl you over, especially considering it really needs another 5 years in the cellar, but it will win you over with length and an old school claret feel.  The tannins hang around for ages and add a flavour of dark chocolate which draws me in to the wonders of old. Everything is held together well with a huge ball of acidity providing a mouthwatering load of excitement.

Alcohol: 13%

Price: $280

Rated: 94++

Drink: 2016 - 2025

Chateau Cheval Blanc Grand Cru 2002

You don’t often get to taste wines of this price tag so I was look forward to trying this.  Now I must say that St-Emilion has never really done it for me.  I generally prefer the wines from Pomeral or the Left bank but I have never tried any of the top wines from Angelus, Ausone or Cheval Blanc.  Merlot is a big player in this region but it only comprises 50% of the blend here, the other 50% is Cabernet Franc.  As this wine is from a rather poor vintage, I can understand my feelings after I tried the wine.

Chateau Cheval Blanc Grand Cru 2002

As the wine starts out rather open and approachable I was thinking this is ready to go.  There is a really smoky meaty flavour coming through with a hint of violets adding freshness.  There are nice tannins sitting sveltely underneath the surface on a good length palate.  Now the kicker…for 500 bucks it is not really doing that much for me.  Take off a 0, so 50 bucks, and you have yourself a winner.  

Alcohol: 12%
Price: $500
Rated: 89
Drink: Now - 2020
Importer: Negociants Australia