2021 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 2nd Grand Cru Classe

Tasted blind. Dark. Heady, concentrated and attention-grabbing on the nose. A bit stolid rather than rapturous. Lots of acidity as well as the intense fruit and masses of tannin. Stodgy. Needs lots of time. But, on second tasting, it was definitely more fluid and juicier – and long. (JR)

The flagship 2021 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron lives up to the billing. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot brought up in 70% new oak, it has a pure, medium-bodied, concentrated, flawlessly balanced style as well as pure cassis and subtle blue fruits, some floral, graphite, and cedar pencil nuances, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's not going to rival recent vintages in terms of concentration or depth, but it's nevertheless a brilliant 2021 that has so much to love. It's approachable and offers pleasure even today yet will ideally be given 5-7 years and enjoyed over the following 15+.

The 2021 Pichon Baron, which was matured in 60% new oak and bottled in June 2023, has an engaging bouquet, estuarine-influenced with hints of seaweed permeating the black fruit. It shows fine delineation and focus, the like we have come to expect these days. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, quite fleshy in style to the extent that, if poured blind, I might misconstrue it as its Comtesse neighbor, despite containing just 12% Merlot. There's also a light savory element on the finish. Very fine.