critic reviews
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron comes barreling out with exuberant notes of blackcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, and kirsch leading to hints of candied violets, fragrant soil, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate delivers a good intensity of crunchy black fruit flavors supported by grainy tannins and well-knit acidity, finishing with lovely purity. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.
The 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron represents 21% of the production in this vintage. Matured in 50% new oak, it has a seductive, creamy nose, displaying blackberries and cassis fruit with touches of crushed violet and orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins on the entry, a very pretty Les Griffons with white pepper and a dab of lemon rind that lends tension on the finish. This is not a powerful Pauillac, but it is flush with charm.
Based around 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron reflects the style of the grand vin, offering up aromas of cassis, sweet red berries, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a deep core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish.