The 2014 Réserve de la Comtesse is the second wine of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a prestigious Second Growth estate in Pauillac, Bordeaux. This wine is crafted from younger vines and declassified lots, offering an approachable yet sophisticated expression of the estate’s terroir. It showcases a refined and elegant style, with a bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and graphite, accented by subtle oak notes. On the palate, it is soft, open-knit, and caressing, with dark red and purplish fruit, balanced by spice, tobacco, menthol, and licorice. The wine is polished, with striking textural depth and a juicy, expressive finish, making it one of Bordeaux’s standout second wines.
Food Pairings
The 2014 Réserve de la Comtesse pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes due to its rich fruit, firm tannins, and balanced acidity. Recommended pairings include:
- Red meats: Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison, particularly with herb or pepper-based sauces.
- Game: Wild boar or duck, which complement the wine’s smoky and earthy notes.
- Cheeses: Aged hard cheeses like Comté or mature cheddar, which match the wine’s structure.
- Mushroom-based dishes: Risottos or tarts with wild mushrooms, enhancing the wine’s earthy undertones.
- Chocolate desserts: Dark chocolate-based desserts for a decadent pairing with the wine’s fruit-forward profile.
Critics’ Reviews
- Vinous (92 points): “The 2014 Reserve de La Comtesse is a delicious second wine. Soft, open-knit and caressing, the 2014 offers striking textural depth to balance its dark red/purplish fruit. Spice, tobacco, menthol and licorice wrap around the juicy, super-expressive finish. A burst of aromatic freshness gives the wine its sense of proportion. The Reserve de La Comtesse is one of Bordeaux’s most polished second wines, which, among other things, makes it an ideal red to drink over the next decade or so.”
- James Suckling (92 points): “Rose-petal, cassis-bush and berry aromas. Medium to full body, tangy acidity and a soft and velvety mouthfeel. Round and friendly.”
- General consensus: Critics praise the 2014 for its accessibility, elegance, and balance, noting its ability to deliver Grand Vin qualities at a more approachable price point. It is considered a standout in a slightly challenging vintage for northern Médoc.
Drink Window
The 2014 Réserve de la Comtesse is drinking well now after decanting (1–2 hours recommended) but has the structure to age gracefully. Optimal drinking window: 2019–2029. Some sources suggest it could evolve positively through 2030 with proper cellaring, though it is already approachable and charming.
