2012 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 2nd Grand Cru Classe

Full bottle 1,372 g. The first vintage in which the château was called Pichon Baron after a long period as Pichon Longueville. Shaded, transparent garnet. Concentrated, savoury nose with great balance. Already drinking well but with a spine of ripe tannins still in evidence so there is no hurry to consume. The palate is less intense than the nose and if there is a shortcoming, it’s that it is not exceptionally long. But the finish is neat. There's real class in this bottle. (JR)

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Aged 18 months in oak barrels (70% new) . Youthful crimson with a slightly watery rim. More flattering than 2011, the nose fresh and lifted, the accent on the fruit. Pure and juicy on the palate, long and driven. Elegance over power. Not the biggest but harmonious. (JL)

The 2012 Pichon Baron has a fragrant bouquet with well-defined black fruit, cedar and subtle sous-bois aromas, unfolding with a sense of confidence with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine acidity, good weight and body. Well-proportioned towards the finish, this is a classy Pauillac and has the edge over Pichon-Lalande at the moment. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.