Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
93
"The 2020 Réserve de la Comtesse is absolutely gorgeous. Far more expressive than the Grand Vin today, the Réserve is everything a second wine should be. Ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, licorice and tobacco all flesh out in a sumptuous, racy Pauillac that impresses with its alluring personality. This is an especially fine vintage for the Réserve. The 2020 is 47% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot – in other words, a high percentage of PV that undoubtedly marks the blend." -Antonio Galloni
Robert Parker
RP
93
"Composed of 47% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Reserve de la Comtesse is redolent of cassis, redcurrant jelly and raspberry coulis, plus suggestions of chocolate box, lilacs and stewed tea, with a waft of unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, juicy black fruits with a soft texture and seamless freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick. This is a very different style from the grand vin, possessing a more playful, upfront and effortlessly delicious character that truly draws you in!" -Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Jancis Robinson
JR
16
"Tasted blind. Very dark greyish crimson with purplish rim. Fragrant, spicy dark fruit. Deep, chewy but with fruit at the core to hold the tannins apart. Tannins are firm and smooth." -Julia Harding MW
Decanter
D
94
"Dark blackcurrant on the nose, deep and powerful. Good chewy intensity here, quite a ripe style, fleshy with bright cherry fruit poking through the liquorice flavour. Really balanced, giving fruit, fresh acidity, spice, tannins and length. It has a dark profile with the spicy, liquorice undertone but well packaged, precise and driving. One of the best second wines in Pauillac. Can drink now but this also has the power and presence to age"
Wine Spectator
WS
93
"This has a dark currant- and blackberry-filled core supported by a racy graphite spine that runs from start to finish, adding energy and cut. Reveals sweet tobacco, chestnut and tar hints on the finish." -James Molesworth
Wine Enthusiast
WE
94
"Ripe black fruits and rich tannins are piled high in this wine. It shows finesse in the tannins and in the blackberry flavors. This second wine is likely to age well. Drink from 2026." -Roger Voss
