A rich and rather flamboyant Baron with plenty of tannic structure and intensity. It's full-bodied and layered with plenty of ripe fruit, but then it tightens at the end, with flavors of black currants, bark, flowers, dark tobacco, graphite and citrus acidity. Lively at the end. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. Best after 2029.
96-98 Barrel Sample. The richness of this wine with its 80% Cabernet Sauvignon gives it an opulent feel. That is balanced with acidity and powerful black currants, giving the wine freshness. Dark tannins give structure and density to this impressive wine.
95-97 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.
The 2023 Pichon Baron is a gorgeous, statuesque beauty, just as it was en primeur. Soaring aromatic top notes meld into a core of dark-hued fruit, gravel and new leather. This builds beautifully with time in the glass, showing notable resonance that really explodes on the back end. More than anything else, I am impressed with the precision and vertical energy that have become such an integral part of the wines here in recent years.
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.
95-97 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.
TWI
97pts
The Wine Independent
95-97 The 2023 Pichon Baron is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, the nose erupts with classic scents of cassis, juicy plums, and redcurrant jelly followed by fragrant nuances of lilacs, camphor, and crushed rock plus a waft of wild thyme. The medium-bodied palate is tightly knit, with impressive tension and fine-grained tannins framing the black berry flavors accented by fragrant herbs and floral notes, finishing long and mineral-laced. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, with pH 3.70. It is aging in oak barriques, 70% new.
This is a step ahead, as its flavors of cassis, blackberry and black cherry preserves show lushness that belies the vintage character. Underneath run graphite girders for support, along with ink, black licorice and roasted apple wood notes. The finish sports intensity and drive, providing a frank counterpoint to the lush fruit while knitting everything together. A heck of an effort for the vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2028 through 2045.
