1998 CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 1998

Harmony and the variety of grapes of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is unique in the Pauillac appellation. It is undoubtedly the proportion of grapes that gives a guarantee of longevity and an exceptionally elegant personality exempt of harshness. The 45% Cabernet Sauvignon determines the structure and gives it its longevity. The recent tasting of older vintages such as 1875, 1893, 1900 have shown, by their astonishing youth, the possibility of aging the wines of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. 35% Merlot: a surprising percentage, unusual in an appellation that emphasizes Cabernet Sauvignon. "My uncle Louis loved this grape," says May Eliane de Lencquesaing, "it brings the color, roundness and suppleness, hallmarks of the wines of this area". The 12% Cabernet Franc gives a balanced wine with a fruity bouquet, firm and clear in his youth, which integrates very well during aging.  The 8% Petit Verdot provides freshness and aromatic complexity and spiciness. In the years with bright sunlight as in 1982, 1986, 1989 and 1990, when the maturity of the grapes was excellent, its contribution is remarkable.The Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande remains faithful to the tradition of hand picking. Each year, more than 100 people - often the same families of Andalusia - pick grapes in the field, depending on the age and the maturity of the plots. Merlot, a precocious variety, starts the harvest, the Cabernet and Petit Verdot, late varieties, close the harvest. They sort rigourously in the vineyard and at the arrival on the receiving hopper.