2017 Reserve de la Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1356354
92 points
Decanter
This is a wonderful second wine, and a real success in a vintage where second wines are often punching below their weight. It's rich, plump, floral-edged and above all extremely drinkable. It has a juicy frame and it delivers. A 2% pinch of Petit Verdot adds spice (and is added only after the press wine, the absolute final step to add depth, if needed). They used no secondary fruit at all. This should be good to go in five to six years. Tasted several times. (JA)
(4/2018)
92 points
Vinous
The 2017 Réserve de la Comtesse came from a barrel that had begun its élevage in a new barrel and then transferred into a used one. It has a well defined bouquet with blackberry, oyster shell and subtle marine scents, a nose that is full of character. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and impressive density for a Deuxième Vin. A seductive, graphite tinged finish. This is an excellent follow-up to the 2016 and may even surpass it. (NM)
(2/2020)
91 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Starting with the second wine, the 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse has the hallmark purity and elegance of this estate front and center, showing a deep ruby color, classy notes of blackcurrants, cassis, white flowers, and hints of graphite, medium body, and sweet, polished tannins. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, brought up in 40% new oak, it tastes like a mini-grand vin from this great estate and I suspect will have a broad 15- to 20-year drink window.
(2/2020)
91 points
James Suckling
Some fresh-herb, cedar and berry aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Shows tension and structure, though it’s a little green.
(1/2020)
91 points
Wine Advocate
The 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it strolls out of the glass with nonchalant notions of preserved red plums, black cherries, kirsch and black raspberries with wafts of wilted roses, cinnamon toast, fallen leaves and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is very pretty, with delicately played tannins and bags of freshness, finishing wonderfully fragrant. (LPB)
(3/2020)
Jancis Robinson
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Sweeter fruited than Pez, even lightly floral. Much better balance and more juicy on the palate. Lightish but all in proportion. Tannins are fine and they need to be with only moderate depth of fruit. (JH)
(4/2018)