Tasting Note:
Christian Seely describes the Merlots as being “absolutely magnificent this year”. The Cabernet berries were “very small and very concentrated – pure and intense”. This resulted in a wine with “wonderful generosity from beautiful Merlots and great finesse and elegance from pure, intense Cabernets”. In short, it’s a “great Pichon Baron”, and we certainly agree. Produced from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot and aged in 70% new barrels for 18 months, this is another triumph from this legendary second growth. This opens with a complex bouquet of lavender pastilles, tobacco, liquorice-laced black fruit, violets and a touch of clove. The palate it is packed with mulberry, black tea and sweet earthy notes; dense, deep, resonant, tightly packed with mighty tannins, loaded with concentrated fruit and savoury cassis. Generous, powerful and mighty impressive!
"Intense, concentrated, rippling with power while still delivering finesse. A muscular Pichon Baron, layered with liquorice and chocolate shavings. Unmistakably Pauillac, and hugely Cabernet dominant, with savoury spice notes of grilled cumin and the same muscular, saline-backed tannins that you find in Les Griffons, just here with more definition and depth. 70% new oak for 18 months, 48% of overall production. Harvest September 14 to 30. Yields on the old vines here just above 30hl/ha." 96/100 - Janes Anson, Decanter.com