The music vintages of Pichon Comtesse
“Because civilization is built over generations;
Because each generation composes a new work;
Because each year, we make the most of what nature bestows us,
Each new vintage offers a new interpretation.”
Wine and music have long shared an ethereal connection – both are sensory experiences that evoke emotion, tell stories, and invite reflection. The two art forms are steeped in tradition, but each new composition, like each new vintage, offers something fresh and unexpected. What if music could help us better understand the essence of wine? Could a melody enhance the tasting experience, bridging the senses of sound, taste, and feeling?
At Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, this idea comes to live. Known for producing some of Bordeaux’s finest wines, Pichon Lalande has embarked on a unique and experimental journey: pairing each vintage with a specific piece of music. By curating soundtracks that capture the spirit of each vintage, Pichon Lalande invites us to engage with wine in a way that’s more immersive and deeply personal.
Nicolas Glumineau, the General Manager of Château Pichon Lalande, explains the philosophy behind this project with poetic precision:
“Like the creation of a brand-new blend, music, through its vibrations and the unique way it resonates, has this incredible power of plunging us into our inner silence, into our most intimate emotions.
Each tune chosen forges close ties with wine and history, our history, that of Pichon Comtesse. Where were we? What did we feel? Which path did we take? And what about you? What will you feel? That’s how wine is set to music…”
Below are some of our favorite vintages and their music pairings.
The 1995 Pichon Lalande is a wine that demands patience, much like the surreal, hypnotic energy of David Bowie’s “I’m Deranged.” With aromas of roses, tobacco, and scorched earth, the wine opens slowly, revealing layers of cassis, cranberry, and peppery herbs. Similarly, Bowie’s song, with its off-kilter rhythms and haunting melodies, is unsettling but undeniably captivating. The wine’s structure is firm and stern, echoing the song’s tension, while its softer undertones of olive, herbs, and rich berries parallel Bowie’s lyrical introspection. Both the wine and the music require time to fully appreciate, yet once unlocked, they reveal a raw, unfiltered depth that leaves a lasting impression. Together, they create a pairing of complexity, reflection, and edge – an experience where taste and sound converge into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Another 20th century classic, the 1996 Pichon Lalande finds its match in Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op.92: II. Allegretto. With its poised elegance and steady, pulsing rhythm, the Allegretto mirrors the slow, deliberate development of the wine. The 1996 vintage is structured yet fluid, with aromas of cedar, black fruits, and graphite, reminiscent of the measured intensity of Beethoven’s iconic movement. On the palate, the wine’s depth and layered complexity unfold gradually, much like the rising motifs of the symphony. Both are exercises in balance – tension and release, strength and subtlety. The resonant hum of the Allegretto draws a parallel to the wine’s persistent finish, each lingering note as profound as the final sips of this extraordinary vintage.
The 2005 Pichon Lalande reveals a sense of drama and unpredictability that finds a fitting companion in Beck’s “Paper Tiger.” Like the wine, the song is a study in contrasts – subtle and smooth on the surface but brimming with tension just beneath. The 2005 vintage is lush and opulent, with dark fruit, tobacco, and mocha notes that mirror the cinematic sweep of Beck’s strings and the deep thrum of his bassline. Just as the song shifts unexpectedly in tone and tempo, the wine’s complexity unfolds gradually, revealing layers of spice, leather, and earthy richness. Both the wine and the music thrive on a sense of the unexpected, with moments of calm punctuated by flashes of intensity.
Like Edvard Grieg’s “Morning mood”, the 2009 Pichon Lalande captures the serenity and awakening of a new day. This vintage greets the senses with aromas of fresh red fruits, violets, and a hint of earth, paralleling the soft, gradual rise of melody in Grieg’s iconic composition. On the palate, the wine unfolds with grace and luminosity, its vibrant acidity and silky tannins mirroring the delicate interplay of woodwinds and strings. Both the wine and the music evoke a sense of renewal, clarity, and optimism. The finish is long, harmonious, and bright, leaving a feeling of quiet joy and balance, much like the gentle close of Grieg’s masterpiece.
The 2010 Pichon Lalande is brooding and enigmatic like Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter.” This vintage unfurls slowly, revealing dark, moody aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, and earthy truffle. Just as the song's haunting keyboards and eerie atmosphere create a sense of mystery, the wine’s layered complexity unfolds with a quiet intensity. The palate offers dark fruit, tobacco, and spice, with a firm structure that mirrors the song’s commanding presence. Both the wine and the music possess depth, power, and otherworldly allure, lingering long after the final note.
The 2016 Pichon Lalande, awarded no less than two 100-point scores, is all about sharp precision and complexity, mirroring the eerie intensity and underlying tension of Radiohead’s “Knives Out.” Aromas of graphite, dark berries, and a subtle herbal undertone compliment the wine’s sleek but firm texture, echoing the song’s driving rhythm and haunting atmosphere. On the palate, its taut acidity and polished tannins create a feeling of unease, much like the unsettling mood of the track. Both the wine and the song challenge the senses, inviting deeper reflection with every sip.
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