2001 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
2001 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Time has a way of unveiling the true character of a wine, and the 2001 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron is no exception. This particular vintage, emerging from the esteemed Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux, is illustrative of a year that was initially underestimated but has since blossomed into a truly collectable classic.
The Meritage of Climates: A Vintage That Defies Expectations
The year 2001 might not have stolen the limelight like its celebrated predecessor, yet it too carried the hallmark of excellence, bestowing vintages with balance and structure worthy of investment-minded connoisseurs. The 2001 Pichon Baron gracefully walks this tightrope; it shows that even without the hype, some years quietly rise to provide investors with opportune gems.
The season's moderate weather conditions sifted through, coaxing a blend of power and elegance in the wines. An early wet spring paved the way for a drier, cooler period during ripening crucial for the cabernet sauvignon-led blend—granting this vintage a finesse that wasn't overshadowed by overt masculinity, but rather enhanced by well-integrated tannins and a refreshing acidity that suggests a longevity of marvel.
A Profile of Subtle Majesty
Revisiting the 2001 Pichon Baron today, one finds layers of complexity unfurled—dark fruits interlaced with subtle hints of cedar and minerals. This wine captivates with its aromatic persistence and structured palate. There's an interplay of savory nuances beneath the rigid backbone, painting a portrait more reminiscent of an artisan's deft brush strokes than mere agricultural produce.
Indeed, this exceptional wine embodies the adage that patience is rewarded; for those who allocated this vintage to their cellars have seen it evolve from promising beginnings to current-day splendor.
In Conclusion: A Vintage Worthy of Reverence and Investment
The journey of the 2001 Pichon Baron has been one from underdog to cherished classic. It stands as an archetype of Bordeaux's resilience across varied vintages—an assured selection for fine wine aficionados aiming to diversify portfolios with wines that can stand the test of time while variable climates shape their destinies.
Investors take heed: this exquisite offering from Château Pichon Baron encapsulates not just the virtues of its singular year but epitomizes what careful maturation can unveil within a bottle—a vital lesson for all serious oenophiles and investors alike.
Market price (USD)
$1,700.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
99.29
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On horizontal. This has a relatively light but feminine bouquet, earthy notes at first, later tightly coiled blackberry and cedar, briary and pencil box. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry that marries beautifully with the fine tannins and depth of flavour. This is more primal than its peers, but wonderful delineation and purity with a caressing, silky smooth finish. Utterly seductive: this Pichon Baron is finally coming into its own. Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011
A very successful effort for this vintage in the Medoc, this deep ruby/purple-colored Pauillac exhibits class/nobility/breed along with black currant liqueur, licorice, and incense notes. Sweet, expansive, fleshy, and medium to full-bodied, with good structure, ripe tannin, and a long, 30-35 second finish, it can be drunk now, but will be even better in 2-3 years; it will last for 12-15 years. I had this wine three separate times out of bottle, and it is performing significantly better than it did from cask.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004
This is complex and beautiful now with liquorice and currant, with delicate sweet tobacco character on the nose and palate. Medium-to-full body with subtle, entrancing flavors and textures. So right now. Almost a soya undertone to the subtle fruit. A gorgeous claret at its peak.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013