The 1996 Reserve de Comtesse is the finest second wine Pichon-Lalande has produced. A blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc, this wine may merit a 90-point rating. Production was over 10,000 cases, so it should be easily available. It is a fat, sumptuously-textured, rich, hedonistically-styled wine that will surprise many consumers with its high quality. It should drink well for a decade. Anticipated maturity 1999-2009. - Robert Parker 1999 -