2020 Pichon-Lalande, Pauillac

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has one of the more opulent aromatic profiles amongst the flight of Pauillac wines, displaying black cherries, cassis, graphite and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a silver bead of acidity. Silky smooth in texture, this retains impressive composure toward the finish, handling the weight of fruit with class. It improves with each swirl, though the bottle I tasted just after bottling had a touch more precision. Nevertheless, this a fabulous Pauillac that flirts with perfection. (NM)

Pichon-Lalande is crafting wines today that stand among their finest releases, and the 2020 is a resounding example. What makes these modern vintages so irresistible is how clearly they express their terroir—regardless of the era, this is Pichon-Lalande at its core. Yet the added refinement and polish bring a decadence reminiscent of its First Growth neighbor. Hints of graphite, deep cherry, and that signature, subtle herbal note lead the way, but the weightless concentration is the star—somehow poised and elegant while still rich in flavor. Precise texture, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins carry a long, persistent finish. The 2020 offers a level of density that makes it slightly less immediate than the 2019 or 2022, but that depth will pay dividends with time. Either way, it’s an unmistakable success and one of the standouts of the great 2020 vintage.