critic reviews
A famously hot dry year that could be challenging on well-draining gravel soils, but this has held up well, majoring on cinnamon and turmeric spice, touches of black chocolate and liquorice. Soft tobacco notes on the finish, you know you are in Pauillac here, because the tannins are still present and confident even at 19 years old, and there is a mouthwatering edge of salinity on the finish. No need to wait, but also no great rush to drink up. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.
The 2003 Pichon-Baron has one of the better aromatics this vintage compared to its peers, featuring mulberry and cranberry fruit, orange peel, leather and a touch of star anise. The palate is medium-bodied with furry tannins and lower acidity than the 2002, yet more freshness than in many Left Bank wines. It shows commendable depth and volume, offering attractive tarry, lightly spiced black fruit toward a sinewy finish that shows more energy than you would expect given the infamous heat of that summer. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château.
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.