Pichon Baron 2013

Pauillac, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2013 Pichon-Longueville Baron is definitely one of the better Pauillacs of the vintage, although it does not quite hurdle over the obstacles placed by the growing season with the ease I thought it would. Blackberry, cedar and a touch of chimney soot here, good fruit intensity for the vintage with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, quite compact in the mouth, linear and masculine with a slightly austere but fresh, short finish. Not bad at all, though Christian Seely has overseen wines in a different league from this in recent years.

Score: 89

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2028 28 October 2016

The Grand Vin is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot that is being raised in 70% new wood cropped between 20 and 25hl/ha. Harvest kicked off with the old Merlot vines on 7 October and finishing with the old Cabernet vines between 11 and 14 October. Since 2000 until 2011 they have produced 180,000 bottles per year and in 2013 it is 120,000 cases. It has a crisp, defined bouquet with crisp blackberry and cassis fruit interlaced by a fine mineral component. It has less flair than recent vintages - more linear in style. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, gently grippy tannins. There is good depth here, great purity although it does not fan out on the finish like say, the 2009 or 2010. That is to be expected. Otherwise, this is a classic Pichon Baron that should be suitable for early consumption.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2014

A ripe, forward, sexy nose. Bright Medocain fruit in the middle with nice black fruit juiciness at the core, cassis and a milk chocolate texture.

Score: 91 - 94

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2014

Dark red cherry, plum, spicecake and crushed flowers are some of the many notes that meld together in the 2013 Pichon Baron. Silky and resonant in the glass, the 2013 impresses for its texture and soft, enveloping personality. While there is plenty of early appeal, the 2013 has more than enough brightness and acidity to suggest it will age gracefully. The 2013 Pichon Baron brings together a classic sense of structure with a modern and very pure expression of fruit. The blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot. Tasted twice.

Score: 90 - 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 April 2014

Offers plum pit, cherry and loganberry notes, with some singed spice details in the background. Presents a taut, iron-tinged finish.

Score: 88 - 91

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 01 April 2014

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot. Ripe cherry, dry and tender with a light body and pretty chalky tannin. Much firmer than the Comtesse. Needs plenty of time, I suspect, unusually for 2013s (17.5)

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2033 01 April 2014

This is fantastic for 2013 with seamless tannins and a long finish. Extremely well made. Full body, with lovely core of fruit and a fresh finish. Tannin tension here. Reminds me of the excellent 1988. About 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot.

Score: 92 - 93

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2014

Superb colour, lots of fruit, structure and length on the palate, a strong Pauillac, all vigour and depth and elegance to come.

Score: 91

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2019-2030 01 April 2014