Bordeaux 2024: Chateau Pichon Longueville (Baron) and Domaine de Chevalier

Also released today we have a Baron and two knights. Pichon Longueville (Baron) has been producing some of the finest wines in Pauillac for as long as we can remember. Frequently topping the tables at Southwold, this super second is the epitome of classy Cabernet. Fragrant, seductively fruity and built to age with grace, you are assured of top-notch quality from this address.

“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” 94-96/100 – Antonio Galloni, vinous.com

“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” 92-94/100 – Neal Martin, vinous.com

Down in deepest darkest Léognan, Olivier Bernard and his team have once again produced a smashing brace. Their red is full of character and charm and has been released below the 2014 price (ex-Bordeaux). This translates to £192/6.

“Deep garnet-purple in color. Pops from the glass with wonderfully fragrant notes of red roses, cardamom, and mossy tree bark, leading to a core of cassis and red currant jelly. The light-bodied palate is energetic and shimmery, delivering fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and minerally. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. 3.62 pH.” 93-95+/100 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent

As ever, the Domaine de Chevalier Blanc is one of the finest white wines of the vintage. Adrien Bernard believes that 2024 for whites is even better than the “reference” vintage 2021. It’s hard to disagree, at Domaine de Chevalier at least. The 2024 is true to type, offering classicism, core strength and grip alongside ripeness and plenty of verve.

“The 2024 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc was cropped between September 4 and 16 at 48 hl/ha, with just a tad more Sauvignon in the blend this year. There is impressive intensity on the nose with scents of apple blossom, orange cordial and hints of yellow flowers. It unfolds wonderfully in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a winsome, slightly resinous texture, notes of ginger-infused orange pith and wild peach flavours. Very harmonious and tensile on the finish, this is gearing up to be a superb Domaine de Chevalier Blanc that could well end up at the upper end of my banded score.” 94-96/100 – Neal Martin, vinous.com