| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
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. Drink: 2015-2035.
Tasted en primeur at the château. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot picked between 1st and 17th October, the old vines picked form 8th October. It has a strict, quite conservative bouquet that is very focused: sous-bois, graphite and just a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy entry. There is a good edginess here lent by the citric acidity with a very composed, harmonious finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. Very fine - but much more classic in style than recent vintages - in fact, more like Latour! Tasted April 2013.
A pretty core of ripe-berry, currant and mineral character to this red with a full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish to add. Creamy texture. Better in 2017.
Real confirmation that these top Pauillacs take their first steps towards being ready to drink at the 10 year window in these 'medium' vintages - compared to 15 in the bigger vintages. This is just stretching its limbs, charming if a little short, showing aumtumnal hedgerow fruits, cracked pepper, cocoa bean, cappucinno. Has power and depth, and is extremely enjoyable. Where in a vertical of the estate it doesn't stand out, in a horizontal across the vintage it really does. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.
20% Merlot, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. 15-80 years old. Bright dark crimson. Glows with health. Great vigour on the nose. Amazing sweetness on the front palate. Thick and rich. Cool and fresh. This wine goes to the gym. A little hard on the finish. Needs lots of time but twinkles with health. Lots of energy. Just a tad dry and demanding on the finish. Subtle and (very) dry on the end.
Christian Seely says he feels "quite positive about this vintage" and he's surely right to do
so in the case of his grand vin. It's a stylish, classy, Cabernet-based blend, with plenty of
tannin, notes of cinnamon spice and green pepper and very pure cassis flavours. The oak is
deftly handled here.
Drink: 2020-32
A strong effort from this Pauillac chateau, most of the old vine Cabernet Sauvignon from their parcels near Latour made it into the 2012 Pichon Longueville Baron's final blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. A dense purple color is accompanied by an attractive bouquet of incense, cassis, cedar and toasty oak. It is medium to full-bodied as well as bigger, richer and brawnier than most Medoc 2012s. Noticeable tannin in the finish suggests 3-4 years of cellaring is warranted. Drink it over the following two decades.
This wine builds on the palate with pretty currants and berries. Full body, with a tender core of fruit and a tannins structure that builds on the palate. It is precise and fresh. Creamy fruit and ripe tannins.
You feel the confidence and the flexibility of tannins that are just about to hit their 10th birthday. This is rich and round, similar in many ways to the 2018 vintage with its gourmet feel of blackberries, bilberries, cigar box and grilled cocoa beans. The whole structure is beginning to elongate and finesse as it heads into its second decade, and this is a great moment to think about opening this wine if you like your Pauillacs still bristling. Give another few decades easily if you prefer a more subtle, savoury take on the appellation. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.
