Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Les Tourelles de Longueville 2001

Les Tourelles de Longueville 2001

Les Tourelles de Longueville is the second wine of Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, a Second Growth estate of the Pauillac appellation. Les Tourelles is named after the château’s distinctive turrets.

In the 19th century the impressive looking chateau with multiple turrets and grand grounds was part of a larger estate that included Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1850 the estate was divided in two -  the current Pichon Longueville Baron, often nicknamed Pichon Baron, and Comtesse de Lalande.

The domaine belonged to the Pichon family until 1933 when it was sold to the Bouteiller family. It was managed by their descendants for the next fifty years until it was sold to the French Insurance conglomerate AXA Millésimes in 1987. AXA invested in a significant renovation program of the château, the wine cellars and the technical installations. They hired Jean-Michel Cazes of Lynch-Bages to supervise the vineyards and winemaking.

The property has 168 acres of vineyards that produce about 35,000 cases a year. The blend is usually about 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

This property’s wines are nowadays considered amongst the most renowned of Pauillac. Les Tourelles de Longueville, formerly the second wine, has become a separate cru. Les Tourelles de Longueville comes from a vineyard that is adjacent to the legendary First Growth Château Latour.

The Pichon's were top wines of the just released 2016 vintage and were highlights of the recent release tasting at the UGCB. This second wine of the portfolio can represent great value in excellent vintages when all boats rise with the tide.

This was tasted from a 375ml half bottle.

Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, black fruits with leather, earth, tobacco, herbs and cigar box  - an ideal compliment to midweek grilled steak dinner.

RM 88 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/notes.asp?iWine=1355725