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Pichon Baron 2008

Pauillac, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. 'Oh baby baby' as Salt ‘n Pepa declared back in the day: Pichon Baron is a real star of this vintage. It is a little introverted at first, tightly-wound dark berries, tar and graphite and a touch of autumnal leaves. The palate has a chewy entry, good acidity, firm grip with a dense persuasive finish that is First Growth standard. There is quite a bit of extraction here but it is beautifully focused and tensile. This is one of the finest Left Bank wines. Tasted January 2012.

Score: 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2012

Just 52% of the total crop in the Grand Vin, which is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot from the 'historical' part of the vineyard cropped at 35hl/ha. This has a lovely, more restrained nose, blackberry, smoke, touch of cigar box, Very pure. The palate is medium-bodied, very cohesive and lithe, beautiful balance, Very fine tannins, less opulent than usual, conservative but there is a lot of breeding here. Not a powerful Pichon Baron, but there is an ethereal sense of harmony and focus. This is a tour de force Pichon Baron.

Score: 94 - 97

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009

Bright ruby-red. Black cherry, leather and strong graphite minerality on the nose. Silky, sweet and suave, with dark fruit flavors lifted by a violet element and given grip and definition by a strong mineral spine. Wonderfully deep, ripe Pauillac with strong early sexy appeal. Finishes very bright and long, with serious but sweet tannins. Deceptively approachable now, this wine is built for two decades of evolution in bottle.

Score: 93

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 July 2011

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Pichon Longueville Baron is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of Pauillac in 2008. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins and undeniable appeal, this gorgeous, well-proportioned, larger than life 2008 should age effortlessly for two decades or more. With the realistic pricing that remains for many 2008s, this is a no-brainer.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 03 May 2011

Firm, but sweet tannins (which suggests ideal maturity) characterize this 2008. Displaying good minerality along with plenty of floral, creme de cassis, blackberry, coffee, and white chocolate notes, this full-bodied, dense, promising Pauillac is built to age for 20-25 years.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2034 30 April 2009

Very vibrant blueish purple. Complete and neat. Low key but in the same idiom as Latour with 71% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tight and dry and not at all flashy. Serious stuff. May well develop into something really quite considerable.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2030 01 April 2009

Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a balanced finish. Refined and polished. Could use a little more midpalate.

Score: 88 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2009