| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This great 73 hectare vineyard has been producing top class Pauillac since the late 1980's when Jean-Michel Cazes of Lynch Bages took control and re-vitalised the property. In recent years, under the ownership of AXA insurance, Englishman Christian Seely has been in charge and quality continues to rise. The vineyard is planted with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The grand vin is now made only from fruit produced in the original vineyard, which is opposite Latour and next to Léoville Lascases. Latour-like in style, Pichon Baron has been a star performer in our recent blind vintage tastings. Two second labels are now produced - Les Griffons (from the younger vines) produced since 2012 and Les Tourelles de Longueville (from a specific parcel of mostly Merlot vines). A regular winner of our blind tastings and a classic of the appellation.
The 2024 vintage comes in at 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (most of the Merlot is in Les Griffons this year). 12.7% ABV with no chaptalisation and a low yield of 20 hl/ha. Only 52% of production is in the grand vin. 70% new oak.
The 2024 Pichon Baron was aged in 70% new oak. The nose is immediate and well-defined, with mineral-driven black fruit, a touch of pencil box and subtle estuarine scents. It is quintessential Pichon Baron. The palate is fresh and delineated on the entry, endowed with a core of sapid black olive tapenade-infused black fruit. I appreciate the energy that comes through, especially towards the second half, which maintains a sense of symmetry. It will be earlier drinking compared to the 2020 or 2022, but it is a successful Pauillac in the context of the challenging growing season, though it might require a little more time in bottle. 2030 - 2055
The 2024 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, cigar wrappers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, lively and layered, with a dense core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins, this blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot is a serious young Pauillac that will demand patience.
Bright purple colour, with a stony, graphite tinged, cool nose led by just-ripe black fruit and violets. The palate too is athletic and narrow but intense, with that same al dente fruit matched by tannins that persist in a chalky, dry but not austere nature. This is fine-boned and vertical but well made, a wine that has an easy sense of pedigree.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Fresh crushed blackcurrants, boysenberries, and juicy raspberries notes jump from the glass, followed by hints of iris, tar, and cedar chest. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers approachable, grainy tannins and bright acidity to match the elegant black and red fruit layers, finishing long and minerally.
87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, 3.71 pH, aging in French oak, 70% new, for 18 months
Majors on the fragrant, slim and precise side of Cabernet Sauvignon, waves of cassis bud, rose stems, tobacco leaf and a mouthwatering finish. Don't expect the intensity of 2022 or 2023 at this excellent Pauillac estate, and yet there is impact and slow build through the palate. One of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon on record, will be ready to drink within five to six years compared to the usual ten to 15. 3.71pH, 70% new oak for ageing, 52% of overall production in the first wine. Harvest 15 September to 10 October, Pierre Montegut technical director, Christian Seely CEO.
The 2024 Pichon Baron is a very sexy wine. Deep and layered on the palate, with fine depth, the 2024 exudes balance. Sumptuous black cherry, mocha, new leather, licorice, menthol, lavender and pine are all dialed up. There's gorgeous breadth and overall presence here. The Cabernet Sauvignon is quite high at 87%, but it is really the wine's balance that speaks loudest. Here, too, the reduction of new oak to 70% really helps the wine speak with precision. 2034-2054
A dense wine with good richness and concentration. Slightly chewy, with an almost full body and a tight-grained finish. Long, structured and powerful. Not a lighter year for Pichon Baron, thanks to the low yield of just around 20 hectoliters per hectare. 87% cabernet sauvignon and 13% merlot.
