Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 1978 (1.5L)

92 Points, Robert M. Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "An excellent 1978 (one of the top wines of the vintage), Pichon-Lalande's offering displays an aromatic profile consisting of roasted herbs, chocolate, cedar, tobacco, and ripe curranty fruit. Medium-bodied, with low acidity, some tannin, and a round, attractive personality, this wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2007." 12/97

94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "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." 08/24