The Auswine Forum

<b>1982 Chateau Pichon-Lalande</b>
Brown edges predominate. Nose is all black grapes and berries, hints of smoke, cedar, dark fruits – plums. Almost sweet. Lovely. First impression of the palate is the astonishing length and lovely integrated tannins. Medium-bodied. Amazing balance and integration for the most part but slight “hot” finish and resultant tannins – suggesting years to go despite almost perfect drinking now. A harmonious wine no doubt. As Thom Yorke from the masterful Radiohead sang, it’s everything in its right place. Seamless. Quite undeveloped on the palate. I’m not sure how much this will improve further (but looks like it should), but to me it lacked a smidgin of fruit complexity that would’ve made it a truly great wine for now. In its current state, slightly over-rated for me but still excellent. But definitely not a great wine in my opinion. Strangely, it appeared far more youthful than the 1990 Henschke Hill of Grace opened a day later. <b>Excellent 18.5 / 20</b>

Very interesting and detailed note Danny.
I was wondering how the 1982 is going now. In the mid 90's it may have had more fruit than now. What struck me in this wine was the incredible BALANCE and integration of oak and fruit. It was a study in harmony for me and the length of this wine is just incredible.
Cheers,
Attila

I haven't had this wine for a few years, but when I first had the 82 I remember rating it on par with the 71 Grange. A sublime experience indeed.

I must try and track a bottle down, or better still, get a mate to open one.