1982 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
1982 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The illustrious 1982 vintage from Château Pichon Baron occupies a rarefied place in the pantheon of Bordeaux legends. In a year where the term 'vintage of the century' was liberally bestowed, the 1982 Pichon Baron stands out for its embodiment of Pauillac's quintessential power combined with a finesse that has left collectors and investors alike rapturous for decades.
Unearthing the Treasures of Time
The majesty of 1982 cannot be overstated, particularly for the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends of Pauillac. The 1982 Pichon Baron resonates as much today as it did at its birth - a testament to the interplay between an exceptional terroir and meteorological serendipity. To uncork it is to unleash a tapestry of cassis, plum, and truffle, decorated with hints of tobacco and leather, providing a multi-layered experience that lingers on the palate.
A Vintage Worthy of Investment
For those well versed in the ballet of fine wine investment, champions like the 1982 Pichon Baron demonstrate the value proposition; balance, structure, and ageing potential are all flawlessly aligned. The power wrought from the concentrated fruit of that fabled summer allows this Pauillac to continue its dance through time gracefully, revealing ever more nuanced choreography as years go by.
The aging potential of this Pauillac jewel not only promises superb tasting experiences in the years to come but also shows remarkable stability in valuation in turbulent times. Therein lies its allure: a heady mixture of sensory pleasure and robust investment performance.
With bottle age now over four decades, each sip is a whisper from history; the 1982 Pichon Baron not only serves as a vaunted standard for collectors but also stands as an undeniable proof of Bordeaux's capacity to produce wines that mature with indomitable grace and complexity.
Summation: A Chronicle in Every Glass
This consummate 1982 vintage from Château Pichon Baron is a profound experience - it delves not only into the rich fabric of Bordeaux's winemaking prowess but also into a pivotal historical chapter when nature and vintner ambition harmonized perfectly. To possess it is to hold a liquid chronicle, an asset that continues to fascinate palates and portfolios alike.
Market price (HKD)
HK$24,040.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
209.17
Scores and tasting notes
This wine turned out much better than I expected. At a young age, it was somewhat disjointed and seemingly lacked acidity, but there is no doubting its level of concentration. It has firmed up and lost some of its baby fat, and now reveals plenty of sweet, smoky, leathery black currant fruit, a plush, opulent mouthfeel, and has reached full maturity. The color is starting to brick at the edge of the glass. This complex, rich 1982 is best consumed over the next 5-8 years. Release price: ($105.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy's 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. For various reasons I have never been totally convinced by this Pichon Baron although I have to give credit where it is due, for this is the best bottle I have met. It has a mature, slightly leathery bouquet with touches of earth and sandalwood. The palate is medium-bodied, certainly not nearly as complex as its peers when examined side-by-side, whilst there is just a touch of VA towards the finish. I would be drinking bottles now. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013