2021 Pichon Comtesse Réserve, Pauillac, Bordeaux
- Red
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (36%), Petit Verdot (8%)
- Jane Anson
- 87/100
- Neal Martin
- 88-90/100
- Jeb Dunnuck
- 90/100
- William Kelley
- 91/100
- Antonio Galloni
- 92-94/100
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In Bond purchases can be stored in our temperature-controlled warehouse
Covered by our quality guarantee
Description
Cabernet Sauvignon 56%, Merlot 36%, Petit Verdot 8%.
After the problems with mildew on the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in 2021, all the Petit Verdot had to be used in this blend to cover the mid-palate dip left by Merlot. All things considered, this is a good effort. Nicolas Glumineau has not tried to make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. This is a different style and quality against the grand vin, but it does have a little of the silky finesse more usual here. This is a pleasing bottle and will be relatively early to mature.
Our score: 15.5/20
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Critics reviews
Majors on savoury blue fruits, with some austere tannins at first, but there is clear precision and vivid fruit character, and a juicy mouthwatering finish. The team under Nicolas Glumineau added just a touch more new oak during ageing 70%) but only for the first three months, then back to 50%. 15hl/h yield after the Merlot in particular was impacted by mildew. First year of organic conversion, 40% of overall production.
Drink 2025 - 2036
The 2021 Réserve de la Comtesse has a pretty bouquet, not intense but well-defined, featuring blackberry, cedar and light graphite aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and quite saline in the mouth, with grippy tannins, good body and just a slight austerity on the finish. Not bad at all, though there is a considerable gap between this and the Grand Vin this year. Give it three to four years in bottle.
Drink 2025 - 2038
The second wine, 2021 Pichon Comtesse Reserve, is based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 8% Petite Verdot. It's a solid second wine that brings good intensity in its ripe red and blue fruits plums, redcurrants), classic Pauillac graphite, tobacco, and spicy oak. It's medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, with fine tannins and an incredibly drinkable style.
Wafting from the glass with notes of blackberries, minty cassis, petals and pencil shavings, the 2021 Resèrve de la Comtesse is medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, with a fleshy core of fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. This beautifully balanced wine will drink well on release. It's one of the most successful second wines produced this year.
Drink 2024 - 2037
The 2021 Réserve de la Comtesse is a seriously great wine in its peer group. Or any peer group. Rich and layered, with no hard edges and compelling balance, the 2021 opens beautifully in the glass. Savory accents run through a core of black cherry and plum fruit, with hints of gravel, spice and leather that develop later. This year's blend includes 14% reserve wine, but that is not especially evident. I don't think I have ever tasted a more refined Réserve de la Comtesse. Superb.
Drink 2026 - 2036
About this wine
Pauillac
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Free delivery on orders over £125.
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Wines and spirits purchased In Bond from Berry Bros. & Rudd can be stored in our temperature-controlled warehouse.
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Every bottle sold by Berry Bros. & Rudd is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine or spirit is corked or faulty, we will replace or refund it.
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