2004 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
2004 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux vintages, the 2004 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron represents a particularly intriguing tapestry woven with the threads of resilience and finesse unique to Pauillac. This is a vintage that elegantly sidesteps the ostentation of its more lauded successors, offering instead a quietly confident display of classicism.
Refinement and Complexity: An Investor's Delight
The 2004 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a long, rather cool and dry growing season – the summer witnessed neither excessive heat nor ruinous rains. For the astute investor, this is a signpost to potential. The harvest period held a steady course which bestowed upon the fruit a ripening measured in both pace and grace. The resulting wine from Château Pichon Baron harmonizes ripe cassis with earthy truffle notes and a whiff of tobacco – a testament to adept vineyard management and tailored winemaking.
The 2004 Pichon Baron navigates the palate with regal tannins that have softened over years in the bottle while maintaining sufficient structure to promise continued evolution. One encounters an enduring depth, remarked by savourable layers of dark fruit infused with subtle hints of cedar and spice.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Poise
Understanding the Pauillac appellation’s intrinsic resilience to climatic vagaries illuminates why Château Pichon Baron was able to craft such an admirable rendition in 2004. This vintage should not be overshadowed by the blockbuster years that surround it; instead, it should be recognized for its own signature – one of elegant poise that has matured into a beautifully nuanced complexity.
Perhaps not as opulent as later years, but for those considering matured wine investment opportunities, the 2004 Pichon Baron stands out as one with quiet confidence. It is a pitch-perfect embodiment of vintage character meeting the high standards set by Château Pichon Baron’s acclaimed wines. Such synchrony between site and season illustrates why this particular vintage can enrich both cellar and portfolio alike.
In closing, investing in 2004 Pichon Baron offers not just a wine of superb craftsmanship but also an opportunity to partake in a year where balance trumps bravado – echoing an attention to detail that makes it one for the connoisseurs’ collection and investors' portfolios.
Market price (GBP)
£1,250.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
89.29
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the London Pichon-Baron off-line. This is a great, great 2004
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2009
An undeniable star of the vintage, Pichon-Baron's 2004 boasts an inky/ruby/purple color to the rim as well as a big, sweet nose of melted licorice, chocolate, black currant jam, truffles, and charcoal embers. Soft tannin, full body, and abundant opulence and flesh are atypical for the vintage character, but this wine is loaded. Pure, ripe, and evolved, it should be at its finest between 2009-2022.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #171 June 2007
Sweet tobacco and plums with just a hint of prunes. Fascinating nose. Full body with velvety tannins, tangy acidity and a fresh finish. Just right now. Savory and delicious.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013