Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pichon-Longueville Baron slips sensuously out of the glass with provocative cherry preserves, baked raspberries and fresh blackcurrants scents, leading to nuances of red roses, charcoal, tilled soil and cardamom plus a waft of forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant, refreshing and refined, with a compelling line of soft, grainy tannins and lots of perfumed accents, finishing fragrant.
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Pichon-Longueville Baron is enticingly scented of chocolate-covered cherries, crushed red currants and mulberries with touches of baking spices, potpourri and bay leaves plus a hint of fallen leaves. Sumptuously elegant, refreshing and medium-bodied with gorgeous, expressive, perfumed red fruits and very fine, very firm tannins, it has a persistent, perfumed finish. Its remarkable intensity, freshness and very firm frame suggest a long-lived Pichon Baron, which should cellar gracefully for 30+ years.
The 2014 Pichon-Longueville Baron was broody at first, as if a big "No Entry" sign had been placed in front of the aromatics. But peeking underneath are some wonderful blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas that just sing of Pauillac and exude typicity. The palate is medium-bodied with very impressive depth and concentration on the entry, a superb line of acidity and outstanding precision on the finish. This is clearly fulfilling its potential that it showed from barrel. The only drawback is that it might be unfairly overshadowed by the 2015 Pichon Baron! This will be one of those over-performing Pauillacs, perhaps like the 1990 Pichon Baron, that will delight for years to come.
As for the big sibling, the 2012 Pichon Baron (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) probably has the most saturated purple color of the Pauillacs. Its structure is apparent, and the wine offers a wealth of blackcurrant fruit interwoven with licorice, graphite, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent and moderately tannic, this wine is approachable now because of its low acidity, but promises to age beautifully for 20+ years. This is another great classic from Pichon Baron.
Its bigger, more famous sibling, the 2011 Pichon Longueville Baron exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, an opulent mouthfeel for a 2011, silky tannins and no hard edges. Medium-bodied and well-endowed, it is a major success in this vintage. It should hit its stride in 3-4 years and last for 15+.
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Pichon-Longueville Baron delivers expressive scents of baked black cherries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of cedar chest and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and lovely freshness with bags of energetic black fruits and a long, wonderfully pure finish.
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Pichon-Longueville Baron delivers expressive scents of baked black cherries, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of cedar chest and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and lovely freshness with bags of energetic black fruits and a long, wonderfully pure finish.
The 2009 Pichon-Longueville Baron has a medium to deep garnet color and a very meaty/savory nose over a core of sweaty leather, baked blackberries and plums with notions of crème de cassis, sautéed herbs and black olives coming through with coaxing. Full, rich, concentrated and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate has beautifully plush tannins and an herbal lift on the long finish.
A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Pichon Longueville Baron is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of Pauillac in 2008. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins and undeniable appeal, this gorgeous, well-proportioned, larger than life 2008 should age effortlessly for two decades or more. With the realistic pricing that remains for many 2008s, this is a no-brainer.
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Pichon Baron has more red than black fruit on the nose, quite showy with hints of crème de cassis and then later it calms down to reveal classic pencil lead aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth. This is quite assertive and grippy, although later vintages have evinced more precision and mineralité on the finish. Still, this is a fine if rather burly Pichon Baron. Tasted January 2016.
The 2005 Pichon Baron has a dense ruby/purple color, sweet crème de cassis fruit, lots of cedar wood and forest floor, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and a long finish of a good 30+ seconds. This is a beauty and one of the most successful Pauillacs of this vintage. Drink it now through 2035.
Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron is a prestigious Bordeaux winery located in the Pauillac appellation of the Médoc region. It is one of the most renowned and sought-after producers in the region, producing some of the finest wines in the world. The estate was founded in the late 17th century by the Baron de Pichon-Longueville, and has been owned by the same family ever since.
The estate is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, which are full-bodied and powerful, with intense aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. The wines are aged in oak barrels for up to 18 months, and are known for their complexity and finesse. The estate also produces a second wine, Les Tourelles de Longueville, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
The estate also produces a range of white wines, including a Sauvignon Blanc and a Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend. These wines are fresh and vibrant, with aromas of citrus, white flowers, and herbs.
Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron is a benchmark producer in the Médoc region, and its wines are highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. The estate is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Bordeaux winemaking, and its wines are sure to delight and impress.
A brilliant effort, this 2003 displays a vigorous, intact, deep blue/purple color as well as notes of scorched earth, barbecue spices, incense, creme de cassis and cedarwood. Long, lush, medium to full-bodied, round and generous, this opulent Pauillac can be drunk now and over the next 5-8 years.
The 2000 Château Pichon Baron is just getting better and better and better. Perhaps the magnum format played its part, but nevertheless...just...wow. This is a millennial Left Bank with the keys to the top drawer. It has an incredibly precise, mineral-driven bouquet with intense black fruit infused with cedar and graphite scents. It just reeks of Pauillac in an almost uncompromising, yet compelling manner. The palate is structured, stylish and effortless, extraordinarily pure and unerringly youthful. This is a Pichon Baron saying, "You ain't seen nothing yet." You could broach this now if you wanted, but the clever people will wisely bunker this for another decade and gloat from 2025 onward. Tasted January 2016.
