Chateau Pichon Baron 2018

Château Pichon Baron Deuxieme Cru Classe Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2018

Grape blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. Aged 18 months in oak barels (80% new, 20% one year old)

Located on the left bank of the Gironde Estuary, 40km north of Bordeaux, the property enjoys a mild climate due to the influence of the nearby river and has 75ha of vineyards planted on gravel/pebbles/sand soil with vines averaging 35 years of age.

Pichon Baron's vineyard is planted as follows: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and is meticulously divided into separate plots. In nearly every vintage, over the last twenty years, the "Grand Vin" has comprised only of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot grape varieties and these have been sourced from the very oldest vines grown on the historic plots of the estate.

Christian Seely, Managing Director of AXA Millésimes, which, since 1987, owns Château Pichon Longueville-Baron, said of the 2018 vintage:

“But it is the Merlots that were so extraordinary—magnificent, in fact! Not to say that they were better than the Cabernet Sauvignons, they weren’t, but they were right up there.”

Chateau Tasting Note:

Château Pichon Baron 2018 reveals a dark garnet colour. The precise and delicate nose offers notes of fresh fruit, black berries and spices. The attack is mellow, generous, rounded and juicy, developing powerful, well-blended tannins. The body is structured with silky, racy tannins. The flavour is carried by the structure, which preserves the mid-palate. The finish is tasty, full, fleshy, and harmonious. The richness is perfectly integrated and the style is highly characteristic, built to last through the decades, while retaining elegance and distinction. Jean-René Matignon - Technical Director - July 2020

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Deep and dark young wine that takes you down, deep down to its center palate of blackberries and blueberries, firm and very silky tannins and a vivid finish. Wonderful palate and depth in this with such class and finesse. So many layers of polished, fine tannins. Great wine."

(97-98/100) points, James Suckling, 2019

"Production of the grand vin represents 50% of the harvest this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose bursts from the glass with flamboyant scents of stewed black plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake, plus suggestions of Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, pencil shavings and espresso. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers impactful black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and spicy."  Drink 2025-2050

96+/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2021