Château Pichon Baron 2023

A fascinating bouquet, very deep, noble, more distinguished than in other vintages; classic on the palate, powerful, structured, full of finesse, polished tannins, fine acidity, exceptionally long with a saline finish. Pichon elegance at the highest level.

Perfumed nose, fragrant and highly scented, with a touch of blackcurrant leaf, plum, graphite and dark chocolate. Silky-smooth, bright and so delicately presented. Crunchy, crisp red fruits and ripe black fruits with some spicy undertones and wet-stone touches. Much lighter in fruit profile than some – summer berries, tangy and vibrant, with super-fine tannins giving structure and support. This has finesse and power – less plushness and richness than last year, of course – it’s sleeker and straighter, firm and controlled, yet still has breadth and layers of flavour and texture. Refined, and definitely cool. ‘Classicism’ with no overt heat. I love the hint of strawberry sweetness and tannins that completely coat the mouth. I think this will be great with time. Maybe not so charming right now, but the finesse and refinement are faultless. 44% grand vin production. 12% press. pH 3.7.

If you like a great cigar, you came to the right place, as the first things you notice are cigar box and tobacco leaf nuances before moving to smoke, leafy herbs, crème de cassis, blackberries, spice, flowers, and forest floor in the perfume. The palate is even better with its multiple layers of black and red fruits, mouthfuls of fresh, ripe, chewy red berries, Indian spice, and a lingering finish that holds your focus for at least 50 seconds. The key to the vintage was patience during harvesting to achieve phenolic ripeness. This is the quintessential example of a classic, modern Bordeaux. The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot. 13.2% ABV, 3.7 pH. The harvest took place September 17 for the Merlot, ending October 4 with the Cabernet. 44% of the harvest went into the Grand Vin. Drink from 2030-2065. 96-98 pts.

The nose is fruity, fresh, elegant, beautifully racy, offering precise, well-controlled power, delicacy, and a beguiling, complex character. It reveals notes of blackberry, roasted-juicy strawberry and, more lightly, vibrant red berries, combined with hints of licorice, cornflower, refined gravel tones, as well as discreet touches of fresh nutmeg, graphite, and a hint of tonka bean and sweet spices. The palate is beautifully guided—fruity, fresh, finely stretched—showing precision and delicacy, with a lovely brightness/tang of fruit that caresses the mouth. It delivers notes of juicy/fleshy bigarreau cherry, vivid raspberry and, more lightly, juicy/fresh blueberry, combined with delicate touches of shiny red berries, chocolate, and toast. Purity, a lovely texture, and a supple/iodized feel on the finish, all in perfect balance. Good length. Savory, gourmand/elegant tannins.

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested in the last week of September at full ripeness, shape a soaring cathedral of tannins. The style is pure, classic, regal. A deep, rooty palate with saline chew; the Merlots come in to harmonize and soften the weave, as voluptuous as in 2022, sealing a truly great bottle.

The 2023 Pichon Baron has a perfumed bouquet with iris flower-infused black fruit, background scents of orange pith, cedar and blueberry. Very pure and beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins, crisp and quite linear, impressive minerality with an almost understated finish if you compare it to the '22. Quintessential Pichon Baron and I would broach this before the '22.

96-98. Barrel Sample. The richness of this wine with its 80% Cabernet Sauvignon gives it an opulent feel. That is balanced with acidity and powerful black currants, giving the wine freshness. Dark tannins give structure and density to this impressive wine.

This is a step ahead, as its flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry preserves show lushness that belies the vintage character. Underneath run graphite girders for support, along with ink, black licorice and roasted apple wood notes. The finish sports intensity and drive, providing a frank counterpoint to the lush fruit while knitting everything together. A heck of an effort for the vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2028 through 2045. 12,623 cases made.