1985 Pichon Lalande Pauillac 2nd Grand Cru Classe

1985 Pichon Lalande Grand Cru Classe Pauillac

Pichon Lalande normally represents the feminine character of Pauillac appellation, has a very different interpretation for this oddly exceptional vintage. 1985 was a really stunning vintage for Bordeaux, personally, I prefer the vintage of 1985 over 1982, as 85 Bordeaux are full of surprises, and in general, they are much more even in quality with a lot of amazements, unlike 82 which is really a roller coaster vintage with the good representing the pinnacle while the bad can perform at the bottom of the valley. Starting with the bouquet of Lalande 85, it was with plum, smoky tobacco and leathery characters. Content was a vast deviation from a feminine character compared to other vintages; surprisingly green with heavy capsicum notes, which was not quite Lalande’s character, but the greenery was actually very much liked by me as it also integrated well with the dense ripe fruits of blackcurrant and the leathery texture. The combination was quite magical to me, and I certainly enjoy every sip of the wine. I highly recommend a vertical tasting (different vintages) of Lalande if you are not persuaded that 85 was the odd but great vintage.