2017 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
2017 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Embarking upon the 2017 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron is akin to being ushered into a grand hall of vinous nobility. This formidable Pauillac estate has, in this particular vintage, transcended the vicissitudes of a somewhat challenging year to craft a wine of profound structure and depth.
2017: A Vintage Carved from Adversity
In a year that tested the mettle of vignerons throughout Bordeaux, 2017 emerged as a vintage that divided the pack - yet for Château Pichon Baron, it is one that will be spoken of with reverence. Amidst frost and tumult, the durable terroir and meticulous vine management paid dividends, yielding grapes that showcased remarkable balance and concentration.
The 2017 Pichon Baron stands as testimony to the resilience and precision farming practices embraced by the estate. With its regal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon's might and Merlot’s charm, this wine is arrayed in rich textures and dense flavors that investors and enthusiasts will prize for their classic expression of Pauillac prowess.
The Alchemy of Terroir and Technique
This wine exhibits an astute alchemy between terroir and technique; dark fruit aromas layer seamlessly over an underpinning of delicate spice, contributed by judiciously applied oak. On the palate, the wine unfurls with purpose, steeped in tannins that promise longevity yet paradoxically manifest a supple quality that beckons immediate enjoyment.
For fine wine investors, the 2017 Pichon Baron is a compelling proposition. It represents both a resilient triumph over a difficult vintage and a storied addition to any portfolio. While its innate power is evident now, its true breadth will unveil with patience in cellarage — an unfolding narrative in each bottle.
To encapsulate the essence of this Pauillac marvel: the 2017 Pichon Baron is a study in elegance under pressure, yielding an intricate tapestry woven from the very threads of endurance and finesse. In this bottle lies not just a wine but a landmark achievement emblematic of Château Pichon Baron's indomitable spirit.
Market price (GBP)
£1,000.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
62.5
Scores and tasting notes
This is very centered and focused on the mid-palate with beautiful currant, coffee and walnut character. Full-bodied and superfine. Strong tannins and a long and bright finish. Lots of blackcurrants and blackberries in the end.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
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.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
Pichon Baron is one of the sexiest Pauillacs I tasted in 2017. Silky, nuanced and finessed to the core, the 2017 hits all the right notes. In the glass, the 2017 possesses striking aromatic presence, vivid flavors, silky tannins and exceptional balance. In 2017, Pichon Baron is a wine of incomparable elegance and total finesse. I loved it.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
This is nice, with dark plum and blackberry compote flavors that have a fleshy edge, while light bay, tobacco and savory notes add range, combining with the vintage’s fresh acidity and bright mineral edge.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
The 2017 Pichon Baron was picked from 18 to 21 September for the Merlot and 27 September to 3 October for the Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a very sophisticated, pure and quite intense bouquet with black fruit, cedar and potent graphite aromas. This feels very focused and the 80% new oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry, very sleek and silky with a gentle grip. There is a lovely sweetness here, perhaps less austere than I was anticipating with a very long, quite spicy finish. Tasted four times with consistent notes.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18