Tasting Notes
Vinous – 94
The 2014 Pichon Baron followed. This has moved little since my last note. Blackberry and briary scents are interlaced with graphite. The bouquet opens nicely over a couple of hours, youthful but not disconcertingly so. The palate is beautifully balanced with a sense of coolness and class, an aristocratic Pauillac with crunchy tannins, pure black fruit and that flintiness on the finish that feels focused and abundantly fresh. No harm in opening bottles now, though I would afford it another couple of years in the cellar.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2055
JancisRobinson.com – 18
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Tasted blind. Velvety crimson. Intensely minty. Is this from somewhere else in Oz? Round and satiny. Polished tannins and slightly sweeter than most bordeaux, though it could be Pichon Lalande or the like. Tangy finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2034
Robert Parker – 94
The 2014 Pichon-Longueville Baron was broody at first, as if a big “No Entry” sign had been placed in front of the aromatics. But peeking underneath are some wonderful blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas that just sing of Pauillac and exude typicity. The palate is medium-bodied with very impressive depth and concentration on the entry, a superb line of acidity and outstanding precision on the finish. This is clearly fulfilling its potential that it showed from barrel. The only drawback is that it might be unfairly overshadowed by the 2015 Pichon Baron! This will be one of those over-performing Pauillacs, perhaps like the 1990 Pichon Baron, that will delight for years to come.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2050
