Chateau Pichon Baron 2018

Particularly restrained, refined, smoky aromatics from perfectly judged oak; full attack, unhurried development, classy tannins, great breed despite the richness and noticeable warmth; power and depth.

A very polished and pure expression of Pauillac, but don't go to sleep on it. As charming and vibrant as the cassis, cherry preserve and blackberry paste flavors are, they have a latent saturated feel. And then there's a serious network of iron girders supporting it all, along with sweet tobacco, floral and worn cedar accents. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2030 through 2050. 13,300 cases made.

Generous aromatics of dark berry fruit, caramel, and spice are clear indicators of a warm vintage, but there are also floral notes and no heaviness whatsoever. There is juicy, savoury substance on the palate, sustained by gossamer tannins of surprising delicacy, but lurking underneath is the power so characteristic of this vintage. A few years of cellaring will be needed for the terroir expression to hit its stride.

Aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, ash and cedar with hints of conifer. Full-bodied, yet so tight and refined with polished, toned tannins that are creamy and compact with a silky texture. Energetic and driven. Try after 2026.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 18 months in oak, 80% new. Barrel sample. Colour of elderberry juice. Intensely pure Cabernet nose, so intense it is quite introvert, especially compared with the Tourelles, but there is just a hint of fresh and creamy blackcurrant. A dry beauty on the palate. Not a great deal of acidity but finishes clean and fresh with these slub-silk tannins. There's texture and depth but it's still silky. Freshness of fruit compensating for moderate acidity. (JH)

The 2018 Pichon-Baron was matured for 18 months in 80% new oak. It has retained its quite extroverted, almost audacious bouquet with generous scents of blackberry, blueberry and mint, though one could argue it still needs to show more Pichon Baron DNA. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins and firm grip, quite assertive and perhaps more austere than expected. Plenty of graphite here, far more than during élevage, and a foursquare finish. This 2018 Pichon-Baron will require 5–8 years in bottle, as it is one of the more tannic Pauillacs of the vintage, but it could also be one of the most rewarding for those with patience and a cool, damp cellar.

Incredibly dark in color, the wine pops with Cuban cigar, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, red and black currants, forest floor, and peppery spice box aromas. This could be the most concentrated, powerful vintage of Pichon Baron ever produced. The wine is very concentrated, full, and deep. Yet, with all this depth of flavor, everything remains perfectly balanced. The tannins are ripe. Full-bodied and lush on the palate, with layers of sweet, ripe, dark red fruits on the finish, the wine really sticks with you. Jean-Rene Matignon feels this is his best vintage. I am not sure I agree. But if it is not, it is damn close to it! The wine blends 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. Due to its immense power, this is the only vintage of Pichon Baron aged in 100% new oak; however, the oak is already fully integrated into the wine.

Very dark ruby, opaque core, violet hues, delicately paler at the rim. Dark berry fruit underlaid with pleasant spiced wood, lush sweetheart cherries and a touch of toasted caramel in the background. Complex, sweetheart cherries, delicate blackcurrant nuances, fine supporting tannins, good freshness and length. Possesses safe ageing potential. (2025-2045)

An exceptionally successful vintage at Pichon Baron, juicy, concentrated and finessed, with powerful yet well-balanced bilberry and blackberry fruits. The sense of complexity and nuance builds from beginning to end, coming in waves of baked earth, crayon and liquorice bud, with a slate texture to the tannins that slows the progress through the palate and promises great things ahead. 80% new oak. They had to fight against mildew as everyone did, but came out a little better than some, at around 32hl/ha yield. Jean-René Matignon, technical director.

You certainly shouldn’t rush it, as it’s still holding back. The palate is superb—concentrated, vibrant and deep. It impresses with its length and the persistence of its aromas.

In a youthful spirit, the 2018 stands out for its freshness and intense fruit, as well as its terroir, revealed through notes of graphite and truffle. On the palate, it is, of course, rich, broad, and above all harmonious. It aims to spend many years in the cellar. Given its depth, character, and the exceptional finesse of its tannins, it is set for several decades!

The nose is fresh, racy and elegant, offering power (with subtlety), concentration (with precision), a slightly airy touch on the approach, intensity and controlled power. It reveals notes of boysenberry, bright/ripe blackcurrant and, more slightly, fresh wild strawberry, together with hints of blue plum and violet, as well as nuances of almond, toast, a discreet touch of fresh blond tobacco, subtle hints of green cardamom and vanilla, and an imperceptible hint of clove. The palate is fruity, fresh, elegant and mineral, with lovely definition, gourmandise, a fine zesty line, tension (all in finesse), straightness (in finesse), power (with elegance/control) and an airy feel (on the approach). On the palate, the wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy raspberry, juicy/fresh strawberry and, more slightly, fresh/pulpy blackcurrant, combined with touches of wild red berries, violet, cornflower and gravel/racy minerality, as well as hints of tonka bean, green cardamom and discreet touches of vanilla. The tannins are elegant, abundant, precise, racy and thoroughly refined. A very discreet chew on the finish. A lovely tannin grain on the end palate/finish.

For a year now, this wine has been slowly recovering from bottling. Its nose is now more suave. The powerful palate with a noble texture finishes very long, rising and flavourful, with perfectly coated tannins.

96–98. Barrel Sample. Offering big, powerful tannins, this wine shows an amazing density of immense black fruits. It has a rich structure that's allied with great acidity and a strongly spicy character. There is a wonderful juiciness at the end that gives it an impressive lift.