Administrator Christian Seeley thinks the 2010 is the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron he has ever made, equaling some of the estate’s colossal wines from vintages such as 1989 and 1990. It was certainly showing well when I stopped by the chateau in January. Opaque purple, with loads of charcoal, licorice, incense and some exotic Asian spices along with abundant cassis liqueur, blackberry and hints of roasted coffee and spring flowers, it is full-bodied and opulent, with relatively high tannins, but they have sweetened up considerably and seem less aggressive than they did from barrel. The oak is clearly pushed to the background by the wine’s wealth of fruit, glycerin and full-bodied texture. This sensational Pichon Longueville Baron needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep 30+ years. Wine Advocate.February, 2013
Robert ParkerScore: 97/100
Pichon Longueville Baron utilized only 45% of the harvest to make a great 2010. The wine reached 13.75% alcohol, the same level as in 2009. From an assemblage of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, this deep, dark, purple colored wine opens with cassis liqueur, oak, truffle, tobacco and walnuts Powerful, concentrated and stuffed with ripe cassis and licorice flavors, this dense, classic style of Pauillac ends with a long generous, round, tannic finish. The best wine from this estate since 2005, it will be aged in 80% new oak. winecellarinsider.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar InsiderScore: 96-97/100
This is mouthfilling, with terrifically dense yet graceful layers of roasted coffee, warm fig sauce, currant preserves and Kenya AA coffee. The powerful finish blends iron-clad tannins and a hint of loam. Cuts a broad swath, but remains pure. Destined for a long life. James Molesworth, winespectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 95-98/100
79CS 21M The nose is beautifully ripe and enticing. Ripe and broad-shouldered. Beautifully balanced from mid-palate to finish. Masculine and with massive concentration, this still remains a thing of beauty.
FINE+RAREScore: 18-19/20
Wonderfully smoky fruit, quite compacted still with great natural depth of Cabernet Sauvignon and a great future. Drink 2022-45. Steven Spurrier, decanter.com
DecanterScore: 18.5/20
This has wonderful purity of fruit with currants, blackberries and licorice on the nose and palate. Full body, with velvety yet poished tannins and a long, long finish. Roses and flowers at the end. Tar too! Reminds me of the 1990 PB. jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 95-96/100
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, 13.7% alcohol with a pH of 3.7 and total acidity of 3.3gms/L that will be raised in 80% new oak (the remainder one year old). This has a refined, much more understated nose than the 2009 that grabbed you by the lapels. It opens beautifully with aeration, blackberry, a touch of cassis, cedar and graphite, but a little gentler than other Pauillac 2010s at this early juncture. The palate is full-bodied with very fine tannins, good acidity, like the 2009, a Pauillac imbued with great symmetry and focus, very elegant and refined towards the finish that for once reminds me of the Pichon over the road. Very persistent and very “classic” towards the finish. Excellent. Drink 2015-2040+ Tasted March 2011. Neal Martin erobertparker.com
Neal MartinScore: 94-96/100
The deep ruby 2010 Pichon Baron offers up notes of spices, anise, plum and blackcurrant, opening onto a wonderful fresh mid palate and finish. This a full bodied, very densely packed Pichon Baron, with good length but chunkier and thicker in texture than the 2009. The 2009 was poured next to the 2010 and both are clearly excellent vintages for Pichon Baron. asianpalate.com
Jeannie Cho Lee MWScore: 93-96/100
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot which had late malos. Vibrant purple colour. Very sumptuous nose with rather more interesting nose than most at this early stage. Very rich and sumptuous and gorgeous on the palate. Much more difference between the grand vin and second wine here than at Pichon Lalande across the road. Lovely complete expression of the ripeness of both fruit and tannin in 2010. Dry and cool on the finish. Very complete. Tea-leaf aromas and lovely texture. Unctuous and much less dry on the end than many 2010s. This should be a lovely wine that could be broached relatively early but will last. jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 18/20
Ch. Pichon Longueville Baron(romantically facing Château Pichon Longueville, Contesse de Lalande) is now owned by the big insurance company Axa. The 2010 has a very deep purple noblesse de robe to a thin cinnamon garnet margin, and emanates a scent of smoky black fruits and myrrh.The high acidity is light and soft, relating well to luxuriant reminders of morello cherry, sloe, apricot and fig-like nuances. The 2010 is well-crafted and long-lasting, ready to rise in grandeur over the next 30 years or more. However, its margravine neighbour across the road has the charm and greater endurance to outlive.
Ivor DaviesScore: 17-18/20
Bordeaux / France