2017 Château Pichon-Baron

Description

97    Roger Voss for Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is both weighty and stylish. Its power comes from luscious black fruits that are juicy and powerful. Expect this wine to age well and drink from 2024.” (3/2020)

96    Jeb Dunnuck
“A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot aged 18 months in 80% new French oak, the 2017 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron sports a vivid purple hue as well as gorgeous notes of creme de cassis and black raspberry fruits interwoven with classic Pauillac lead pencil, crushed rocks, chocolate, and violet notes. Full-bodied and concentrated, yet elegant and seamless, it has remarkable purity, flawless tannins, beautifully integrated acidity, and a great finish.” (2/2020)

95    Jane Anson for Decanter
This is smokey, spiced and oak-finessed on the nose but with clear concentration and definition. There is a whole ton of cassis fruit overlaid with cloves and liquorice root, and it is reassuring to see that in 2017 there are still wines that achieve a sense of concentration and power. There is personality here and a sense of Pauillac tannic hold, and it is clearly capable of ageing. The 30hl/ha yield was not because of frost, but because of their low-yielding 60-year-old Cabernet vines. 80% new oak. Drinking Window 2023 – 2045 (JA) Inner quote mark (11/2019)

95    James Suckling
“The currants, blackberries and spices are very pretty here on the nose. The palate is medium-to full-bodied with round, compact tannins and a fresh, linear finish. Cool and racy. Strong and focused.” (1/2020)

95    Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 80% new, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Pichon-Longueville Baron slips sensuously out of the glass with provocative cherry preserves, baked raspberries and fresh blackcurrants scents, leading to nuances of red roses, charcoal, tilled soil and cardamom plus a waft of forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant, refreshing and refined, with a compelling line of soft, grainy tannins and lots of perfumed accents, finishing fragrant.” (3/2020)

95    James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“Well-built, featuring the pure, fresh core of currant and blackberry fruit that is the vintage’s hallmark, all backed by well-integrated tobacco, cast iron and roasted apple wood notes. Grippy, but with enough energy to keep bringing you back rather than tiring you out. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2040.” (3/2020)