Appellations

Pichon Baron 2014

Pauillac, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

Irony and smoky intensity on the very youthful nose. Really rich and tannic, but as it flows over your palate it becomes more and more suave and complex. This is a concentrated, long-term wine that demands some patience but should richly reward it. Try in 2022.

Score: 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 13 February 2017

A fabulous young wine with superb depth of fruit and density that shows blueberries, blackberries, oyster shells and stones. Full-bodied, chewy yet with a laser-guided backbone of tannins. Goes on for minutes. Concentrated yet so fine and beautiful. The tannin content analysis is the same as 2009 and 2010 apparently from the winemakers, but the tannin quality is better. Amazing. This could be a remake of the 2010 but fresher.

Score: 95 - 96 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 31 March 2015

A solid rendering, with an ample core of cassis, cherry preserves and plum cake backed by energetic, brambly tannins. A singed apple wood accent on the finish adds range. Shows good cut throughout. Best from 2020 through 2035.

Score: 93 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 04 January 2017

Features a solid core of dark plum and blackberry fruit, backed by judicious toast that allows tobacco and loam hints to emerge in end. This picks up steam through the finish, showing ample base notes.

Score: 92 - 95 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2015

Deep colour. Powerful nose of black and blue berries, minerals and stones. Broad shoulders with plenty of dense black fruit. Serious with a cigar box and espresso finish. Director Christian Seely says that the 2014 has more structure and density than 2008, more in the style of 2010.

Score: 94 - 96 Albany Vintners, - Date: 24 April 2015

Very deep blackish crimson. Hint of savoury treacle/molasses on the nose. Then a little dry but with decent mid charge of tannins. Far from opulent. Pretty angular at this stage. A tiny bit hollow. Needs to gain flesh. Griffons is almost too charming now! (17+ Points)

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2040 Date: 15 April 2015

The Château Pichon Baron 2014 is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, almost the same as 2010. It was picked between late September and 16 October. It has a tightly wound bouquet at the moment, very "contained" and not as flamboyant as say, the 2009 or the 2010 at this early juncture. But there is remarkable precision here - an aristocratic nose with fleeting glimpses of cedar and pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied. The acidity is quite noticeable although the pH is 3.8, higher than you would have expected. There is certainly a lot of body and structure (IPT came in at 91) with a precise, almost stoic, graphite finish. If the disappearance of Château Latour from en primeur is getting you down then this will fill that gap nicely.

Score: 92 - 94 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2045 Date: 01 April 2015

Dark red cherry, plum, cedar, smoke and cinnamon are some of the notes that meld together in the 2014 Pichon-Longueville Baron. One of the rounder, more supple wines from this sector of the Médoc, today, the 2014 appears to be a wine that will drink well with only a handful of years in the cellar. The soft, seamless finish is quite striking, but there is plenty of tannin lurking beneath, it is just buried by the fruit. Technical Director Jean-Renè Matignon adds that the tannin levels are the same as 2010, although that would be nearly impossible to ascertain on taste and feel alone. In 2014, the blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Overall, this is a very stylish Pichon-Baron distinguished by the great purity of its fruit. Tasted twice.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2015