Staff Notes:

"With its characteristic feminine style, this wine exudes wonderful aromatics with elegant fruit. Vibrant dark berries, violet, hints, cedar. The flavours are very fresh and vibrant with an openness that will enable early drinkability. The Reserve is less Cabernet Sauvignon, more Merlot and some Cabernet Franc." - 92 points Jeannie Cho Lee MW

“Made from a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the second wine, the 2009 Reserve de la Comtesse, exhibits notes of forest floor, white chocolate, licorice, black currants and vanillin-infused black cherries. It possesses a sweet, round, generous style given its high glycerin. Both the Reserve de la Comtesse and Pichon Lalande have about 13% alcohol, slightly lower than most Pauillacs achieved in 2009.” Robert Parker 91 Points

“Bright and sappy, with kirsch and damson plum notes streaking along, followed by tangy iron and floral notes alongside. There's good zip and cut along the finish, with a lingering mineral edge.” Wine Spectator 91 Points

 “Bright, medium ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, smoked meat, licorice and herbs. Ripe and serious for a second wine, offering nicely concentrated, lively flavors of currant, dark raspberry, spices, herbs and licorice. Finishes with plenty of dusty tannins and very good grip and verve.” Vinous 89 Points