2018 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
2018 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2018 offering from the iconic Château Pichon Baron forms an enigmatic chapter in the estate's storied legacy. Navigating a Pauillac climate that veered towards the dramatic, the 2018 Pichon Baron deftly reveals how adversity can be transmuted into artistry.
Eloquence in a Bottle: The 2018 Vintage Glory
The year was marked by climatic paradoxes, with challenges ranging from hail to drought. Yet, such conditions have historically been a prelude to fascination in Bordeaux. Climatic rigor has an alchemical effect on the terroir; the grapes that weather these storms seem to absorb the very essence of resilience and complexity. And indeed, with meticulous vine management and an exacting selection process, Château Pichon Baron imparted to its 2018 vintage an allure that is both noble and enduring.
In the glass, this wine unfurls a tapestry woven with ripe blackcurrants and plums. The palate echoes this opulence, with layers that resound with graphite and subtle spices courtesy of well-integrated oak—a genteel nod to the winemakers' judicious use of barriques. Decanting reveals an undercurrent of minerality that pays homage to the gravels of Pauillac, grounding the wine's aspirations and ensuring its graceful evolution through the decades.
Fine Wine Investment: A Visionary's Choice
For investors, indulging in the 2018 Pichon Baron transcends mere acquisition; it's an act of faith in a vision that excellence blossoms even from hardship. With each sip, patrons partake in a legacy etched not only on labels but within the elemental narrative of Bordeaux itself.
In a realm where provenance and pedigree intertwine, the 2018 Pichon Baron stands as a testament to Château Pichon Baron's resolve and finesse—a beacon for connoisseurs and investors alike. It is in embracing vintages like these that one truly comprehends the spirited dance between vine and vitality.
In summing up this vintage’s strengths—its sumptuous fruit profile, sturdy architecture, and investment appeal—one cannot help but recognize the 2018 Pichon Baron as a paragon of Bordeaux resilience and regality destined to flourish within both cellars and portfolios.
Market price (USD)
$1,540.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
70
Scores and tasting notes
The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Baron is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The Merlot was harvested September 24-25, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested October 3-10. The wine is to be aged 18 months in barriques, 80% new and 20% one year old, and production represents 50% of the harvest this year. Very deep purple-black colored, it begins a little coy, rolling slowly and languidly out of the glass with notions of baked raspberries, blueberry coulis, crème de cassis and incense plus nuances of lilacs, truffles, damp soil and garrigue with wafts of lavender and wild sage. Full-bodied, voluptuous and oh-so-seductive, the palate reveals layer upon layer of savory, earthy and black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins and lovely freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Beautiful.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
Deep and dark young wine that takes you down, deep down to its center palate of blackberries and blueberries, firm and very silky tannins and a vivid finish. Wonderful palate and depth in this with such class and finesse. So many layers of polished, fine tannins. Great wine.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
Straight from the nose you feel the wave of power with the wine uncurling through the palate, starting with tight notes of cassis then gently softening into sweeter brambled hedgerow fruits alongside a ton of ink and pencil lead. The tannins are present but seductive, and as is often the case this year, they're concentrated without being remote. It’s less monolithic than the 2010 with some of the seduction of 2009 at this property but with higher levels of extraction. The harvest took place between 24 September and 11 October. Again, we see here a Pauillac with the highest alcohol ever but it carries it extremely well. There was one week less of maceration than normal, so 21 days instead of 28, which will have helped control extractions. 86IPT.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
Warm, dense and fleshy in feel, featuring cassis, plum and cherry compote flavors infused with tobacco and worn cedar details. Seriously long, with a well-buried iron note, though the purity of the fruit is the dominating feature overall. This cuts a pretty broad swath as it moves along. A big wine.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
Pichon Baron is exceptional in 2018. Pliant, silky and super-finessed, the 2018 has a level of textural finesse that really elevates the wine into Pauillac's upper echelon. Ripe fruit and silky tannins give the 2018 much of its inimitable finesse. At the same time, the 2018 is bright, punchy and surprisingly fresh, not to mention absolutely impeccable in its balance. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, while new oak is 80%.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019