2020 Picque Caillou
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
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Bright cherries, redcurrants, smoked tobacco, and spicy, earthy notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Picque Caillou, a pure, medium-bodied, elegant Pessac-Léognan that has plenty of class. The tannins are fine and polished, the balance is spot on, and this is all about finesse and elegance. It might even be better in 3-4 years, and it should drink nicely through 2035.
The 2020 Picque Caillou remains a little herbaceous on the nose that overall just comes across slight underpowered. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly green tannins, quite peppery but it needs more cohesion and fruit intensity on the finish. Could be better.
The 2020 Picque Caillou is a potent, rustic wine. Dark red cherry, dried herbs, incense, blood orange and gravel lend quite a bit of aromatic and flavor intensity. Rough, angular contours are a bit distracting though. If those can be addressed in the future, this will be a meaningfully better wine.
About the producer
Neighbouring Haut-Brion and Pape Clément, this estate has been turned around since Paulin Calvet took over in 2007. Working with the legendary late Denis Dubourdieu and Valérie Lavigne, results have been impressive.