2006 Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Magnum (1.5L)

RP95 "The 2006 Pichon Lalande, which blows away the 2005, represents a return to the velvety-textured, rich, sexy style most readers would associate with Pichon Lalande. This blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot no Petit Verdot was included in the final blend exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savory, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996." RP Feb 2009

AG95 "One of the most pleasant and unexpected surprises in this tasting, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is gorgeous, which is something I can’t say about too many wines in a vintage marked by climatic ups and downs and irregular ripening. Dark, powerful and intense, the 2006 possesses exceptional balance. A host of black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and menthol flesh out in this decidedly somber, virile Pichon Lalande. In a vintage in which so many wines are so rustic, the 2006 Pichon Lalande is all class. This sleeper Pichon Lalande will drink well for at least the next two decades, perhaps longer." AG for VM Oct. 2017

JA95 "Velvety tannins, lovely depth of flavours and blackberry fruit, bracken, brambled hedgerows, a ton of cassis puree and juice. Enjoyable, still young, love the cedar oak notes that are unveiled as it opens, along with the warm turmeric spice. Still so much tannic frame holding everything in place, this is starting to open but with plenty of life ahead. These was a big wine En Primeur and is still big shouldered. 3.65ph. The year that Roederer Estates took over, with Gildas d'Ornon as managing director and Thomas Do-Chi-Nam as technical director." JA for IB Jul 2021

Robert parker writes, "the change in ownership, with the Roederer/Deutz champagne firm taking control in 2006, resulted in a very severe selection being instituted, only 41% of the production went into the grand vin." Published: Feb 24, 2009