Château Pichon Baron 2023 en Primeur

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

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Fine oak nuances, ripe black berry fruit, delicate notes of cassis and heart cherry, nuances of herbs, candied orange zest underneath. Complex, juicy, elegant, ripe cherry, silky tannins that carry well, mineral and salty, a hint of roasted aromas in the aftertaste, sure maturity and certain ageing potential, equipped with convincing length.

The freshness and brightness of the blackcurrant and orange-peel fruit give a real al-dente feel. Some stone and spice underneath. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a refined finish. A PB with tight, linear tannins. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a terrific effort from this estate, unwinding in the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, dark berries, pencil shavings, cigar wrapper, violets and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, it's deep and concentrated, with sweet structuring tannins and a long, resonant finish. The charm and vibrancy of the vintage lends this considerable appeal, without effacing Pichon Baron's more serious, Cabernet-driven personality. - Luis Gutiérrez. 

The Grand Vin 2023 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron checks in as a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, raised in 70% new French oak, with the balance in once-used oak. Cassis, black raspberries, spice oak, graphite, and almost a bloody, salty, incredibly mineral character are followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and concentrated red, with a deep purple hue, nicely integrated acidity, and beautiful yet building tannins.

The 2023 Pichon Baron is stellar. It is another wine in this lineup that impresses with its finesse and nobility. Dark and enveloping, with terrific freshness, this Grand Vin is so expressive. The 2023 is an understated, wonderfully refined Pichon Baron. Dark fruit, violet and mocha build into the resonant finish. - Antonio Galloni.