2008 Pichon Baron
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Tasting notes
71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot. Aged 20 months in oak barrels (80% new). Garnet hue. Dark fruit, camphor and black olive on the nose. Stony as well. Long and linear in style with a lovely freshness to the palate. Tannins finely etched but present. A touch of sweetness but not overly indulgent. More ‘classic’ than ‘solar’. (JL)
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Grilled caramel and liqourice on the nose, plump blackberry and blackcurrant fruits, sinewy tannins with touches of pencil lead and black chocolate. This is signature Pauillac but an enticing version that welcomes you in. The Merlots make their impact here, because they were of such great quality in this vintage, fleshy and supple, giving width to the mid palate. 80% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.
One of the richer, sexier wines in the vintage, the 2008 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a rock star perfume of red and black currants, crushed violets, graphite, and charcoal, with a hint of truffle working its way in there as well. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and expansive, it has more fruit and opulence than most, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s a wine to seek out and has another 20 years of prime drinking.
About the producer
Pauillac’s Ch. Pichon Baron, formerly known as Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron, is ranked as one of the 15 Second Growths from the 1855 Classification and is considered one of the "Super Seconds".