2018 Pichon Baron - Les Griffons de Pichon Baron
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,347 g. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon from gravelly plots by the Gironde and 48% Merlot, picked late September into October. Aged for 18 months in barriques (60% new). Mid crimson. Nose is ripe, palate is fresh. Balance is great and the tannins well in retreat. Mellow. Great for current drinking. Both classy and approachable. Thoroughly modern Pauillac. Much more evolved than the last time I tasted it. (JR)
Critic scores
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Sweet and polished and quite refined. Fairly Merlot-influenced (though 52% Cabernet). Masses of pleasure here! Even if it’s not for the long term. (JR)
The 2018 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is matured in 60% new oak, and I must comment that I still feel the wood component is just a little vociferous now that the wine is in bottle. The palate is dense and structured, delivering intense black fruit laced with graphite and cracked black pepper, and tightening up toward the classically styled finish. Those tannins are still a little abrasive, so I maintain my view that this deserves 3–4 years in bottle. Good potential, but be patient.