94pts Vinous

The 2021 Réserve de la Comtesse is a seriously great wine in its peer group. Or any peer group. Rich and layered, with no hard edges and compelling balance, the 2021 opens beautifully in the glass. Savory accents run through a core of black cherry and plum fruit, with hints of gravel, spice and leather that develop later. This year's blend includes 14% reserve wine, but that is not especially evident. I don't think I have ever tasted a more refined Réserve de la Comtesse. Superb. –Antonio Galloni
Barrel Sample: 92-94

94pts Wine Enthusiast

Tight spice and rich acidity along with cooked meat and dark-pepper aromas give this secondlabel wine both structure and elegance. Its richness and openess are dominant.

93pts James Suckling

Firm and polished tannins highlight this second wine from Pichon Lalande, with dark berry, chocolate, meat and cedar character as well as lead pencil. Very polished with structure and length. Needs time to soften. Better after 2027.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Wafting from the glass with notes of blackberries, minty cassis, petals and pencil shavings, the 2021 Resèrve de la Comtesse is medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, with a fleshy core of fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a seamless, succulent profile. This beautifully balanced wine will drink well on release. It's one of the most successful second wines produced this year.

91pts Wine Spectator

Engaging, with a flurry of violet, alder and black tea notes leading off, followed by a solidly built core of black currant and sweet bay leaf elements. The finish reveals warm earth and cast iron details. A textbook Pauillac. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2034.

90pts Decanter

Perfumed blackcurrants on the nose and palate - juicy and succulent, the tannins are mouth filling and have a cool blue fruit flavor, almost blueberry and plum, fresh with a softly fleshy texture. Lovely depth on the mid-palate, it doesn't let up - going from start to finish with gusto. You also get licorice, clove tones - dark spiced aspects but they’re integrated and don't cause angles just nuances in terms of flavor. You've definitely got the Pauillac power and concentration but also an energy that is so captivating. A confident second wine that has direction.
Barrel Sample: 90

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

The second wine 2021 Pichon Comtesse Reserve is based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon 36% Merlot, and 8% Petite Verdot. It's a solid second wine that brings good intensity in its ripe red and blue fruits (plums, redcurrants) as well as classic Pauillac graphite, tobacco, and spicy oak. It's medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, with fine tannins and an incredibly drinkable style.