Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2018

It has breed and freshness, a certain austerity, a hint of bitter tannin, true to its style.

The 2018 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is composed of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot, aged for 12 months in barriques, 30% new and 70% one year old. Production of this label represents 20% of the harvest this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose opens with wonderfully pure cassis and ripe black plum notes, leading to hints of clove oil, chocolate-covered cherries and tobacco leaf, with a waft of bay leaves. The palate delivers a firm, rugged texture and soft acidity, framing the mouth-coating black fruits nicely, finishing on a savory note.

Direct, with fresh and pure cherry, damson plum and raspberry flavors laced with subtle cedar and savory notes through the slightly taut finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2028. 7,650 cases made.

Gentle redcurrant, raspberry and soft woodsmoke. Bushed tannins and a less closed-off feel, although there is the characteristic Pauillac bite on the finish.

Blackberry, plum, cocoa and gravel aromas. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with firm, fine tannins framing a solid core of spiced black fruit. Tight, mineral finish. Very fine and balanced. Try from 2024.

The 2018 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is matured in 60% new oak, and I must comment that I still feel the wood component is just a little vociferous now that the wine is in bottle. The palate is dense and structured, delivering intense black fruit laced with graphite and cracked black pepper, and tightening up toward the classically styled finish. Those tannins are still a little abrasive, so I maintain my view that this deserves 3–4 years in bottle. Good potential, but be patient.

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, light ochre brightening on the rim. Inviting bouquet with fine herbal savouriness underlaid with notes of cassis and cherry, a touch of precious wood and nougat. Juicy, elegant palate, ripe cherry and plum fruit, round tannins with good freshness. A mineral food wine with a pronounced long fruity finish.

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot. Purple garnet with violet rim. Dense wild-berry bouquet with hints of blackberry jelly, followed by refined cassis spice and Burley tobacco. On the powerful palate, a silky texture and fleshy extract; ripe, supportive tannic framework and good freshness. Focused finish with splendid dark-berry drive, plenty of graphite and verbena. Great performance!

(52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 25% of the production) Velvety, fruity, plush, sweet bouquet, plums, strawberries, mocha, tobacco. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh palate with sweet, fine fruit, pronounced aromatics, slightly powdery tannins, plush structure, long, powerful finish. 17/20 2024 - 2048

Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2018 is deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with showy notions of blackcurrant pastilles, wild blueberries, and plum preserves, plus hints of rose oil and chocolate box. Medium-bodied, the palate is chock-full of muscular fruit with a firm, grainy texture and a long, fragrant finish. Nice!

More in the Pauillac spirit than Tourelles, intense, balanced, truly successful.

More structured, yet also a bit more austere, Les Griffons shows a noble straightness on the palate.

The bouquet of Les Griffons unfolds slowly. It is reserved but clearly sets the tone. On the palate, the wine has character. It features firm, well-integrated tannins that lend power to the whole palate, while the structure ensures freshness. A wine that still needs time. Pepper notes on the finish, with a fruity finale.

Logo on the cork: inverted T (Trescases)

Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this is one of a pair of second wines from this estate. With its classic Pauillac black-currant flavors and dense tannins, the wine is a slow developer. By 2025, it should show great fruits and a balanced texture.