Pichon Baron
About Pichon-Longueville Baron
The neo-classical turrets of Château Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville are amongst the most iconic images of Bordelaise grandeur in the entire region. For many years, Pichon existed as one exceedingly large property, consisting of some 50 hectares of stunning terroir in the legendary commune of Pauillac.
Death and marriage, the two great catalysts for change in 19th century France, resulted in the split we see today between this great property, and its sister Pichon Lalande.
Remarkably for two estates which were once one, their styles are dramatically individual - at least in the modern era. Lalande quickly garnered a reputation of feminine elegance rightly or wrongly, but most likely in its early years as a result of being under female ownership, and has undoubtedly pursued this identity in its wines of recent years. Baron, conversely, was considered the more overtly powerful and structured of the two.
The slew of excellent reviews from the world's leading critics for multiple vintages of this estate repeatedly marvel at the remarkable power of the tannins, and the breath-taking concentration always judged to perfection. Quality has certainly increased dramatically at this château, largely due to a ruthless reduction in the quantity of Grand Vin produced.
The team at Pichon Baron decided to focus almost exclusively on the very best site available to this "Super Second", a gravel plateau opposite Château Latour, for their first wine - the rest, and the vast majority, is consigned to two very impressive second wines.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
Inc. GST
SG$579.31 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2012 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is dark, voluptuous and immediate. A burst of sweet red plums, smoke, graphite, licorice and tobacco hits the palate. The tannins are sweet but also energetic. Extroverted in style, the 2012 also has enough depth and overall density to drink well for another decade or so. Rose petal, iron and white pepper add the final shades of nuance. Here in its first vintage, Les Griffons is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WE) |
Inc. GST
SG$413.59 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (94)This is the second wine of Pichon Baron. Its juicy richness echoes the top wine of the estate with its structure and powerful fruits. The texture though has a lightness that means it will mature relatively quickly. Drink from 2026. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93-94 (JS) |
Inc. GST
SG$448.47 |
|||||
James Suckling (93-94)A punchy red with blackberry and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, yet extremely refined and polished with a long finish. 50% merlot, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94-95 (JS) |
Inc. GST
SG$424.53 |
|||||
James Suckling (94-95)Very fine, well integrated tannins with blackberry, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. It’s full and extremely racy. One of the finest second wines. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$8,198.41 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86)After having some mediocre bottles of this wine, the last several times I tasted it, it performed well. Still dark ruby with an orange edge, the 1961 Pichon-Longueville has a big, spicy, damp-earth, cedary bouquet, and rich, fat, substantial flavors that lack the multidimension of the finest 1961s. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 2/88. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WSM) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,965.77 |
|||||
Wine & Spirit Magazine (96)Baron was trapped in its oak en primeur, seeming flashy, luscious and soft. Now bottled and shipped, it has the unremitting tannic power of the vintage, balanced by unrelenting purity of fruit that somehow manages to anesthetize the monstrous tannin, to soften the extremely dry, mineral-bound finish into a caress. The wine may be bombastic, but it's also succulent and as sweet as a ripe black raspberry. It's easy to imagine this wine 50 years from now, in impeccable condition. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,529.77 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)The 2015 Pichon-Baron has an engaging, complex bouquet of blackberry, cedar, mint and graphite, demonstrating more cohesion and more conviction than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and extremely well-judged acidity that imbues this Pauillac with a sense of effortlessness and class lacking in some of its peers. A stunning 2015 and one of the greatest releases from the estate. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,715.07 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95-97 (WA) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,366.27 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95-97)The grand vin represents 50% of production this year. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2017 Pichon-Longueville Baron is deep garnet-purple in color and simply sings of vibrant blackcurrants, black cherries and rose hip notes with nuances of potpourri, incense, licorice and pencil shavings plus touches of cigar box and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, super intense and possessing stunning poise, it has very firm, fine-grained tannins and a beautifully silken texture, with bags of freshness and a very long, perfumed finish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (WE) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,342.25 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy. Drink from 2027 |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (WE) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,261.59 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)As always, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon that sings. It brings an impressive structure to the wine, rich tannins and powerful black fruits. The wine is set for aging. It shows all the power and the open quality of the vintage. Drink from 2027. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97-98 (JS) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,275.78 |
|||||
James Suckling (97-98)This young Bordeaux is totally seamless with fine, velvet-like tannins that are integrated and refined. Underlying freshness and verve. It’s full-bodied, linear and long with a compact palate. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
Inc. GST
SG$1,296.45 |
|||||
James Suckling (96-97)Blackcurrant, blueberry, violet and blackberry notes, as well as plenty of spices. Medium to full body with plenty of richness and blackcurrant and ink character. Tar and graphite, too. Precise and structured. Very Pichon Baron in nature here. 88% cabernet sauvignon. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 92 (VN (AG)) |
In Bond
SG$480.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)The 2012 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is dark, voluptuous and immediate. A burst of sweet red plums, smoke, graphite, licorice and tobacco hits the palate. The tannins are sweet but also energetic. Extroverted in style, the 2012 also has enough depth and overall density to drink well for another decade or so. Rose petal, iron and white pepper add the final shades of nuance. Here in its first vintage, Les Griffons is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (WE) |
In Bond
SG$324.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (94)This is the second wine of Pichon Baron. Its juicy richness echoes the top wine of the estate with its structure and powerful fruits. The texture though has a lightness that means it will mature relatively quickly. Drink from 2026. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93-94 (JS) |
In Bond
SG$356.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (93-94)A punchy red with blackberry and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, yet extremely refined and polished with a long finish. 50% merlot, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94-95 (JS) |
In Bond
SG$338.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (94-95)Very fine, well integrated tannins with blackberry, dark chocolate and blackcurrant. It’s full and extremely racy. One of the finest second wines. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$7,470.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86)After having some mediocre bottles of this wine, the last several times I tasted it, it performed well. Still dark ruby with an orange edge, the 1961 Pichon-Longueville has a big, spicy, damp-earth, cedary bouquet, and rich, fat, substantial flavors that lack the multidimension of the finest 1961s. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 2/88. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (WSM) |
In Bond
SG$1,750.00 |
|||||
Wine & Spirit Magazine (96)Baron was trapped in its oak en primeur, seeming flashy, luscious and soft. Now bottled and shipped, it has the unremitting tannic power of the vintage, balanced by unrelenting purity of fruit that somehow manages to anesthetize the monstrous tannin, to soften the extremely dry, mineral-bound finish into a caress. The wine may be bombastic, but it's also succulent and as sweet as a ripe black raspberry. It's easy to imagine this wine 50 years from now, in impeccable condition. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
SG$1,350.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)The 2015 Pichon-Baron has an engaging, complex bouquet of blackberry, cedar, mint and graphite, demonstrating more cohesion and more conviction than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and extremely well-judged acidity that imbues this Pauillac with a sense of effortlessness and class lacking in some of its peers. A stunning 2015 and one of the greatest releases from the estate. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
SG$1,520.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (99)The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95-97 (WA) |
In Bond
SG$1,200.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (95-97)The grand vin represents 50% of production this year. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2017 Pichon-Longueville Baron is deep garnet-purple in color and simply sings of vibrant blackcurrants, black cherries and rose hip notes with nuances of potpourri, incense, licorice and pencil shavings plus touches of cigar box and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, super intense and possessing stunning poise, it has very firm, fine-grained tannins and a beautifully silken texture, with bags of freshness and a very long, perfumed finish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (WE) |
In Bond
SG$1,174.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy. Drink from 2027 |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 100 (WE) |
In Bond
SG$1,100.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (100)As always, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon that sings. It brings an impressive structure to the wine, rich tannins and powerful black fruits. The wine is set for aging. It shows all the power and the open quality of the vintage. Drink from 2027. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97-98 (JS) |
In Bond
SG$1,115.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97-98)This young Bordeaux is totally seamless with fine, velvet-like tannins that are integrated and refined. Underlying freshness and verve. It’s full-bodied, linear and long with a compact palate. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
In Bond
SG$1,130.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (96-97)Blackcurrant, blueberry, violet and blackberry notes, as well as plenty of spices. Medium to full body with plenty of richness and blackcurrant and ink character. Tar and graphite, too. Precise and structured. Very Pichon Baron in nature here. 88% cabernet sauvignon. |