1978 Chateau Pichon Lalande, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml)

AG 94 "The 1978 Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande has long been my favorite vintage from that decade, and it shaded the 1988 and 1998. After 46 years, the aromatics have retained amazing freshness and vitality, leaning more towards red fruit mixed with a light marine influence, cedar and wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with nigh perfect balance. It is not the most complex Pauillac that you will ever drink, but this Pauillac over-delivers in terms of freshness. It exerts a gentle grip, the black fruit infused with oyster shell, a judicious sprinkling of black pepper on the harmonious finish. This is classic “old school” claret at its best. (Drink between 2024-2036)" Neal Martin for Vinous