1973 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande – Pauillac

1973 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande – Pauillac

Score: 79/100

The 1973 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a rare glimpse into a challenging vintage from one of Pauillac’s most elegant and beloved estates. Known for its silky texture, aromatic finesse, and Merlot-influenced softness, Pichon Lalande has a reputation for producing graceful wines even in difficult years. The 1973 vintage, however, was a lighter, early-drinking year, meaning well-stored bottles today are more about historical curiosity than power or longevity.

The 1973 Vintage in Bordeaux

The 1973 growing season was difficult, marked by rain at harvest and inconsistent ripening. A warm summer helped develop sugar levels, but heavy rains in September diluted concentration and forced an early harvest. The result was a vintage of lighter-bodied, less structured wines, best enjoyed within the first few decades of life. Left Bank estates struggled more than the Right Bank, as Cabernet Sauvignon had difficulty achieving full ripeness.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:

A pale brick-red hue with an orange-tawny rim, showing clear signs of maturity. The core is light and translucent, indicating a wine that has softened significantly over time.

Nose:

A delicate bouquet of dried red fruits, old leather, cedar, and tea leaves, with secondary notes of tobacco, earthy truffle, and faded florals. Hints of dried herbs and a touch of spice add complexity, though the intensity is moderate.

Palate:

Soft and light-bodied, the wine displays subtle flavors of dried cherries, currants, and forest floor, with a whisper of cedar, cigar box, and aged oak. The tannins are now fully resolved, leaving behind a smooth but delicate texture. Acidity remains present but gentle, keeping the wine from feeling flat. The finish is short to medium, with echoes of dried herbs and faded fruit.

Conclusion

The 1973 Château Pichon Lalande is a wine that has long passed its peak but may still offer a nostalgic experience for collectors. It is not a powerhouse vintage, but rather a soft, fully evolved wine best suited for those who appreciate the subtlety of old Bordeaux. If you have a bottle, it is best enjoyed now, ideally with a quiet evening of reflection on the endurance of classic estates through even the most challenging years.