The 1996 Reserve de Comtesse is the finest second wine Pichon-Lalande has produced. A blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc, this wine may merit a 90-point rating. Production was over 10,000 cases, so it should be easily available. It is a fat, sumptuously-textured, rich, hedonistically-styled wine that will surprise many consumers with its high quality. It should drink well for a decade.

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Ripe and soft for the vintage, but slightly one-dimensional. Very dark color, showing violet, berry and currant aromas with a hint of minerals. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and an aftertaste of berry and smoke. Very good Second label from Château Pichon-Lalande.

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