Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron - Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2023

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Reifes Cassis, dunkle Kirschfrucht, zart nach Feigen und Nugat, kandierte Orangenzesten sind unterlegt. Komplex, stoffig, Brombeerkonfit, tragende Tannine, mineralisch, dezente Süße im Abgang, ein würziger Speisenbegleiter."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "On the floral side, with accents of espresso, mint, chocolate, cassis, and blackberries for the core of the perfume. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is elegant, fresh, and chewy, The red berries are soft, refined, bright, crisp, and chewy. This is a perfect example of a modern, styled classic Pauillac, focused on its vibrancy, length, and freshness. The wine was created from a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. This is the highest percentage of Cabernet ever used in the blend.13.2% ABV, 3.8 pH. Drink from 2028-2042."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant 2023 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is more serious, with a focused, straight, structured style. Cassis black raspberries, spice, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied and focused, with plenty of structure and outstanding length. I think it will be longer-lived than the Tourelles, but both of these so-called second wines are beautiful."

VINUM: "Still, mineralisch im Duft, dezente Rauchnoten, Cassis und Brombeere; am Gaumen mit Konzentration und Struktur, markante Gerbstoffe, salines Finale. Darf reifen."

DECANTER: "Lots of Cabernet herbal markers on the nose, blackcurrant leaf, menthol, clove, tobacco, dark chocolate and bramble berries. Rich and deep but smooth and grippy, I love the cool freshness you get here, really saline and mineral - graphite, wet stones and pencil lead. A controlled wine, well defined, harmonious, nothing sticking out, with lifted acidity. Quite lean, and prominent minerality on the finish gives some tension and compaction, but I like the weight and think this will age well. 3.8pH. 7% press wine. Ageing 15 months, 50% new oak. 21% of production."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Based around 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron reflects the style of the grand vin, offering up aromas of cassis, sweet red berries, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a deep core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish."

WEINWISSER: "Feingliedriges Bouquet, rote und blaue Beeren, Tabakblatt und Graphit. Am festen Gaumen mit zupackendem Tanningerüst, unterlegter Rasse und muskulösem Körper. Im gebündelten Finale Holunder, Baumnuss und mürbe Adstringenz. Aufgerundet."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron comes barreling out with exuberant notes of blackcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, and kirsch leading to hints of candied violets, fragrant soil, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate delivers a good intensity of crunchy black fruit flavors supported by grainy tannins and well-knit acidity, finishing with lovely purity. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A juicy and fruity wine with blackcurrant, chocolate and spice. Medium body and a fluid center-palate. Nice tannins. Needs a little more on the finish. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot and 2% petit verdot."