2011 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1091047
93-95
points
Wine Enthusiast
This is powered by tannins while also keeping its fresh fruit intact. There is a mineral texture that’s layered with a juicy fruit character on the finish.
(4/ 2012)
92-95
points
Wine Spectator
This has good intensity, with a very lively core of kirsch, steeped blackberry and dark currant flavors supported by lots of pain d'épices and licorice snap on the finish. Shows drive and length.
(4/ 2012)
93-94
points
James Suckling
This is really fantastic for the vintage with a wonderful balance and finesse, yet a firm impressive tannin structure. It's very long and pretty. This has less Petit Verdot in the blend than in past vintages. 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
(4/ 2012)
92-94
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Only 40% of the crop made it into the grand vin, which achieved 12.95% natural alcohol. The final blend for the 2011 Pichon Lalande was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Under the administration of the new owners, the Merlot component has been dramatically reduced in favor of more Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. A strong effort, the 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color and abundant aromas of black currants intermixed with unsmoked cigar tobacco, serious body, more concentration than most of the classified growths, and a bigger, more structured style that may suggest a subtle change in the winemaking philosophy at this estate. This impressive wine is one of the vintage’s most interesting efforts. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
(4/ 2012)
89-92
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Purple ruby. Perfumed aromas of spicecake, flowers and coffee. Chewy in texture and a bit peppery, with bright flavors of redcurrant, Christmas spices and oak. Finishes bright and long, with a repeating floral quality. This could use a little more flesh but offers lovely balance and is a very successful wine in the context of the vintage.
(5/ 2012)
K&L Notes
* ˝+ 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 12% Cabernet France, 2% Petit Verdot. A very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for this property-like the 2000 vintage. A fine effort here that seems very elegant for so much Cabernet. Great texture. Trey: Seems a bit light. Full of red fruits. Elegant, soft and delicate-a very feminine style, though it should bulk up on the mid-palate.