Château Pichon Baron 2022

Alongside the Comtesse, the Baron is among the absolute standouts this year; almost two mouthfuls of wine, with expansive aromatics, sensational structure, perfectly balanced fruit, tannin, acidity and alcohol; peppery spice, violets, blackcurrants on the finish, and great length. Already En Primeur, a neck-and-neck race was shaping up between the two Longueville estates; the outcome is not yet decided.

Wonderfully aromatic and expressive, with dark fruit, floral scents, chocolate, cinnamon and liquorice. Smooth, svelte, bursting with energy. Juicy strawberries and cherries have crunch from fine tannins and mineral edges. Calm and controlled, yet quietly powerful. Fruit and oak emerge over time, layering chalky, powdery, ripe, spiced and fresh textures. Ends as joyously as it starts, and very moreish.

What a nose with complex aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, graphite and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, this has layers of tannins and intense richness but is framed and held together by the phenolic structure. Vertical and deep, it goes on for minutes on the palate. Great finish. 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot. Give this five to six years to come together more. Best after 2030 and beyond.

Just one sniff reveals that this wine is not only stunning, but it also stands apart in a class of its own. Almost opaque in color, the wine’s aroma bursts with an extravagant mix of tobacco, blackberries, black currants, licorice, lead pencil, cedar, and cocoa. However, it’s that first sip, with its palate-staining levels of fruit, that compels you to pause and taste it again. The exceptional mouthfeel, showcasing its length, intensity, depth of flavor, and expansiveness, along with its refinement and purity, indicates that this is one of the vintage’s greatest achievements. The first vintage crafted under the guidance of the estate’s new Technical Director, Pierre Montegut, is undeniably successful. Fans of Pichon Baron will undoubtedly want this gem in their cellar. Drink from 2030-2065.

Dark ruby in colour with an opaque core, purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. On the nose, a multi-faceted bouquet of ripe dark fruits of the forest, a hint of fine oak, delicate strawberry and some nougat. The palate is powerful and finely structured with pronounced integrated tannins, ripe dark fruits of the forest and cherry fruit, mineral, with ripe fruits of the forest on the long, saline finish. Despite its compactness it also seems somewhat light-footed, already drinkable, with definite ageing potential. (1/25, +40, PM).

Beautiful depth through the palate, this is a gorgeous wine, so deft and well handled, excellent quality, bitter cocoa bean, black chocolate, luscious but restrained, layered red roses, powerful, concentrated, with length, and the tightness of En Primeur has loosened and softened just enough to show the beauty of the fruit. 70% new barrels for ageing. A two point upscore.

From the creamy, enticing attack, the wine unfolds with immediate opulence, awakening the senses with beguiling wafts of exotic spices. One can sense the aromas of a North African souk, where cardamom elevates indulgent notes of milk chocolate. On the palate, the texture caresses with the same creaminess, delivering an incredible intensity of spiced fruit. A sensation of almost electric energy on the tongue that then calms into a rippling motion, evoking the ebb and flow of waves embracing the shore.

From the outset, the wine settles in with calm assurance and relevance, standing out for its subtlety and freshness. Shades of graphite, eucalyptus, and citrus are complemented by notes of licorice and a hint of confit. On the palate, the wine chooses a linear, well-framed style before yielding to fullness and charm. This is what we call controlled power, enhanced by a suave tendency, though one could allow a bit more room for power. Obviously, the aim isn’t to dazzle the crowd but to win it over—and in that sense, the mission is accomplished. The wine distinguishes itself with its energy, compact tannins, and an austerity that is as refreshing as it is structuring. A brilliant wine that paves the way to realms where power and freshness are inseparable companions. A fruity, refreshing, and persistent finish. I don’t think the wine has fully settled yet, but its ability to harmonize tenderness and vigor is exciting; I’ll taste it regularly 🙂

The nose is elegant, racy and precise, offering lovely fine-grained texture, depth, and a delicate finesse. It reveals notes of Boysenberry, pulpy blackcurrant and, more subtly, crushed red berries, combined with fine hints of Cubeb pepper and sweet spices, as well as a touch of rhubarb, graphene and a subtle, almost eucalyptus-like note. The palate is beautifully juicy and fruity, with freshness, minerality, balance, a tangy backbone, accuracy, tension, elegance and depth. Dense, with an elegant austerity, all in freshness and precision. Discreetly firm, this wine currently benefits from decanting. It expresses notes of dense small black fruits, juicy blackcurrant and, more subtly, roasted–elegant raspberry, combined with chocolaty, balsamic and toasted nuances, as well as a hint of roasted hazelnut and cocoa. Lovely finesse and precision, with fresh tannins. A creamy wine with a certain silkiness.

Deep, vibrant black color. Intense, refined, fruity, pure, creamy nose. A hint of hazelnut. Fleshy on the attack, fleshy mid-palate, with a more refined touch than usual, the wine gains momentum from mid-palate through the finish. It ends far-reaching, long, deep, and noble, with impressive juicy power. Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot. Alcohol: 14.3% (above average) - pH: 3.65. Yield: 34 hl/ha.

With its brilliant hue and an enticing bouquet of red rose, raspberry pulp and blackcurrant juice, this bottle delights the palate with a superbly silky attack and velvety, well-integrated tannins that envelop an opulent fruitiness. Straight, precise, yet full of great tenderness. The poise of a noble lord.

This towering red offers a remarkable combination of freshness and weight. The well-endowed core of cassis, plum and black cherry puree shows polish and brightness, and a sleek iron note keeps this grounded. That background is laced with rose petal, iris and apple wood, while a subtle savory twinge percolates throughout in a way that only a classic Bordeaux can accomplish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2050. 12,797 cases made.

The 2022 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is young and unevolved, with a barrel sample-like feel, offering cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and incredible purity. Powerful and structured, it has remarkable depth, rock-solid concentration, and seamlessly integrated structure and tannins. Based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot aged 18 months in 70% new oak, this classically styled, inward Pauillac is one of the most promising wines of the vintage and should evolve for 40+ years.

This beautiful, harmonious wine is powerful, textured and full of black fruits. The wine's structure is impressive, made for aging but also with a density and concentration. Drink this great wine from 2028.