Chateau De Pichon Comtesse Pauillac 2022, 6 x 75cl

You might be surprised to hear that we have been preparing this 2022 vintage at Pichon Comtesse for the last 10 years! Ten years spent tirelessly and fervently developing our winegrowing practices to keep nurturing life in our vineyard soils thanks to biodynamic and organic viticulture. Ten years constantly seeking a balance, from the vineyard to the cellars, to make Pichon Comtesse a great Pauillac wine with a unique personality and strong identity. But this year, our remarkably adaptable, resilient and courageous vines succeeded in producing smooth, delicious Merlot and elegant, aristocratic Cabernet wines despite the unprecedented and demanding conditions... It was our turn to be surprised!

The winter was fairly dry and mild, particularly in the later months, with February and March recording above-average temperatures. Bud break was rather early, at the beginning of April. Meanwhile, winegrowers had to contend with a spell of severe frost during several consecutive nights. Thankfully, the nearby Gironde estuary helped to protect our vineyard. A fairly dry, warm spring ensued, propitious to flowering in late May under excellent conditions. June was very unsettled and wet. Severe hailstorms struck many vineyards in the Médoc, although the vines at Pichon Comtesse were miraculously spared! A long heatwave and drought conditions set in from early July onwards. Veraison (colour change) began as soon as 30 July and lasted until 9 August. In mid-August, two storms brought 25 mm of rainfall, which, while not significant, was nevertheless conducive to ripening. The harvest began on 8 September under dry conditions with the picking of perfectly ripe grapes. The only heavy rainfall arrived as of 26 September – the penultimate day of the harvest! During the particularly hot and dry summer, storms in June and mid-August were a salvation, providing welcome relief for the vineyards.

Tasting Notes:

The nose of this wine is particularly complex and emblematic of the Pauillac terroir, with mineral notes of cedar and liquorice that gradually give way to richer aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and violet. The palate is juicy and flavoursome. The wine starts out ethereal with delicious notes of strawberry and cherry, going onto reveal all its charm and softness before culminating in a long finish with smooth, precise and powdery tannins. This Réserve wine is quite simply mesmerising.
 

Serving Suggestions:

This refined Pauillac pairs well with classic dishes such as herb-crusted rack of lamb, roasted duck with a cherry reduction, or a prime beef fillet with porcini mushrooms. It also complements earthy, well-aged cheeses like Comté, Mimolette, or a sophisticated Truffle Pecorino.