It has a stunning, intense blackberry, mineral-laden nose that is suffused with great tension and vigour. The palate is medium-bodied but do not let that full you. Here is a Pauillac brimming with tension and focus, the wine achieving tremendous precision on its long and persistent finish. \nThe Pichon Longueville estate goes back to 1688-1689. In 1850, Virginie de Pichon Longueville, Countess de Lalande, and her two sisters inherited three-fifths of the vineyard from their father. This took on the name of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1978, May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe, in turn inherited this beautiful property and devoted herself entirely to continuing the tradition of quality wine.\nJust two families have been responsible for maintaining this wine s superb reputation for three centuries. Bordering on Château Latour, Second Growth Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is located in the southern part of Pauillac, near Saint-Julien. The unusual choice of grape varieties (there is a much higher percentage of Merlot than average) is a partial explanation for this wine s outstanding personality, marked by elegance, balance and finesse. Traditional methods and modern technology combine to make the most of the estate s prestigious soil. The international reputation of this Super Second Growth can be attributed to unfailing quality and dynamic owners.