Coming from a weak vintage year, the Magnum of 1952 Vin de Pichon Longueville de Lalande has 11.5% alcohol, cost $35 in 1970,and scored an amazing 17+ points on the Dionysian scale of 20. This Second Growth Grand Cru Bordeaux still had ruby-brick color, strong tobacco and leather on its nose, and subtle flavors of spice and some red fruits at the finish. At 64 years old, it held up well (Magnums always age better than 750ml bottles) and was not only the birth year of some Dionysian friends, it evolved as we drank it.
Note the label change: the Modern label reads: Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and is imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons.
The Cabernet Franc rose pedal was still noticeable, and because of such a big percentage of Merlot, the wine was almost too soft for the meat. The Pichon was still holding at it peak potential. Without its aged bouquet, it may have scored only a 15 when it was still in its teens. In vino veritas.
Perfect with butternut squash, but the steak over-powered it some. It was shipped by Hughes Lawton, negociant of Bordeaux. That’s seldom seen now days on any label.
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