Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron 2023

VINUM: "Ein faszinierender Duft, sehr tief, nobel, distinguierter als in anderen Jahren; klassisch am Gaumen, druckvoll, strukturiert, finessenreich, geschliffenes Tannin, feine Säure, ausgesprochen lang und mit salinem Abgang. Pichon-Eleganz auf höchstem Niveau."

WEINWISSER: "80 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 % Merlot, 13.7 Vol.-%, pH 3.7, 37 hl/ha. Dicht verwobenes Bouquet, schwarze Johannisbeere, Estragon und Graphit, dahinter Holundergelee, dunkles Edelholz und zarte Fliedernote. Am strukturierten Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, engmaschigem Tanningerüst, balancierter Rasse und muskulösem Körper. Im konzentrierten, langanhaltenden Finale schwarzbeerige Konturen, tiefschürfende Mineralik und mehlige Adstringenz. Ein männlicher Pichon-Baron mit hohem Lagerpotenzial, der damit zu den besten seiner Klasse gehört."

DECANTER: "Perfumed nose, fragrant and so scented, a touch of blackcurrant leaf, plum, graphite and dark chocolate. Silky soft, bright and so delicately presented. Crunchy and crisp red fruits and ripe black fruits with some spiced undercurrents and wet stone touches. Much lighter in terms of fruit profile than some - summer berries, tangy and vibrant with super fine tannins giving the structure and support. This has finesse and power - less plushness and richness than last year of course - it’s more sleek and straight, firm and controlled but still has width and layers of flavour and texture. Refined, and definitely cool. ‘Classicism’ with no overt heat on offer. I love the hint of strawberry sweetness and tannins that completely coat the mouth. I think this will be great in time. Maybe not so charming right now but there’s no faulting the finesse and refinement. 44% grand vin production. 12% press. 3.7pH."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Edelholznuancen, reife schwarze Beerenfrucht, zart nach Cassis und Herzkirschen, Nuancen von Kräutern, kandierte Orangenzesten sind unterlegt. Komplex, saftig, elegant, reife Kirschen, seidige Tannine, die gut tragen, mineralisch-salzig, ein Hauch von Röstaromen im Nachhall, sicheres Reifepotenzial, mit überzeugender Länge ausgestattet."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Cuban cigars, cocoa, espresso, currants, blackberries, flowers, truffles, and smoke. On the palate, the wine is as complex as the nose. This gem is silky, sensuous, polished, fresh, and alive. The cherries, and currants, are pure. There is depth and sweetness. The wine is medium-bodied, but not light. According to the chateau, the 2023 represents their version of Back to the Future. I see their point. The wine will age effortlessly for decades, yet it is going to be fabulous to drink, even in its youth. The wine blends 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV, 3.67 pH. The harvest took place September 6 - September 27. Yields were 30 hectoliters per hectare. Only 50% of the harvest goes into the Grand Vin. Drink from 2029-2065."

JAMES SUCKLING: "The freshness and brightness of the blackcurrant and orange-peel fruit give a real al-dente feel. Some stone and spice underneath. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a refined finish. A PB with tight, linear tannins. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a terrific effort from this estate, unwinding in the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, dark berries, pencil shavings, cigar wrapper, violets and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, it's deep and concentrated, with sweet structuring tannins and a long, resonant finish. The charm and vibrancy of the vintage lends this considerable appeal, without effacing Pichon Baron's more serious, Cabernet-driven personality."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The Grand Vin 2023 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron checks in as a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, raised in 70% new French oak, with the balance in once-used oak. Cassis, black raspberries, spice oak, graphite, and almost a bloody, salty, incredibly mineral character are followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, and concentrated red, with a deep purple hue, nicely integrated acidity, and beautiful yet building tannins."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "The 2023 Pichon Baron is deep garnet-purple in color. After a swirl or two, the nose erupts with classic scents of cassis, juicy plums, and redcurrant jelly followed by fragrant nuances of lilacs, camphor, and crushed rock plus a waft of wild thyme. The medium-bodied palate is tightly knit, with impressive tension and fine-grained tannins framing the black berry flavors accented by fragrant herbs and floral notes, finishing long and mineral-laced. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, with pH 3.70. It is aging in oak barriques, 70% new."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Complex and refined on the nose with graphite, cedar and dark-fruit notes. Long and linear with finely honed and abundant tannins. Powerful but subtle and discreet. Ageing potential. Drink 2032 – 2048"