Chateau Pichon-Baron

Château Pichon Baron, a true bastion of Pauillac excellence, has firmly established itself as one of the Left Bank's most iconic estates. Situated just a stone's throw away from the illustrious Château Latour, this remarkable property consistently crafts exceptional wines that have earned it a well-deserved reputation as "one of the lynchpins of Pauillac," according to wine critic Neal Martin, who adds, "In many ways, it is the quintessential Pauillac." Classified as a Second Growth in the prestigious 1855 classification, Pichon Baron continues to solidify its position among the region's elite.

With a rich history dating back to 1694, Pichon Baron is a testament to the enduring spirit of Bordeaux winemaking. Since AXA Millésimes' acquisition in 1987, the estate has consistently produced exceptional wines, including an impressive list of 95+ rated vintages, benefiting from the expertise and resources of a team committed to upholding its legacy of excellence. Under their stewardship, Pichon Baron has cemented its position as a true benchmark of the Pauillac appellation, producing wines of power, complexity, and elegance that are a must-have for any discerning collector or connoisseur.

Château Pichon Baron: Property History & Heritage

Established in 1694 through the marriage of Thérèse de Rauzan and Jacques de Pichon-Longueville, this estate has earned its place as one of the appellation's most quintessential properties. Over the course of four generations, the Pichon estate thrived under the stewardship of their descendants. In 1850, Baron Joseph de Pichon-Longueville, a later successor, made the pivotal decision to divide the property upon his passing. His sons inherited two-fifths of the estate, forming the core of what would become Château Pichon Baron, while the remaining three-fifths were bequeathed to his daughters, establishing Chateau Pichon Lalande. The two properties, briefly united under the 1855 classification, soon forged their own distinct identities.

Following Joseph's passing, Raoul de Pichon-Longueville took the reins of Pichon Baron, commissioning the construction of the château in 1851 that graces the estate to this day. The property remained under the family's stewardship until 1933, when it was acquired by the Bouteiller family, whose tenure was marked by a struggle to maintain the estate's quality, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.

Château Pichon Baron: Modern Era

In 1987, AXA Millésimes acquired Pichon Baron and initiated a comprehensive overhaul. Jean-Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages was brought in to oversee the renovation, and in 1988, a full-scale revitalization of both the vineyards and the château commenced. These efforts bore fruit with the 1989 vintage, a stellar release that signaled Pichon Baron's triumphant return to prominence, followed by the equally impressive 1990.

Today, under the leadership of Christian Seely, Pichon Baron is part of the impressive AXA Millésimes portfolio, which includes other renowned estates like Château Suduiraut, Quinta do Noval, and Domaine de l'Arlot. Seely, working closely with the estate's former longstanding technical director, Jean-René Matignon, played a crucial role in Pichon Baron's revival. Together, they introduced hand-harvesting and implemented more rigorous sorting processes, significantly enhancing the quality of the wines produced.  As a result, Decanter asserts, "Quality has never been higher than it is today."

Château Pichon Baron: Vineyards & Terroir

Spanning 73 hectares, the vineyard of Pichon Baron is predominantly planted on the Pauillac plateau, with a composition of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The ancient vines, averaging an impressive 65 years in age, thrive in the estate's exceptional terroir, characterized by gravel, sand, and clay soils across four distinct blocks. The crown jewel of the vineyard is a parcel adjacent to the château, first planted in 1943, which consistently yields fruit of extraordinary quality.

Pichon Baron Winemaking

At Pichon Baron, the winemaking process is a harmonious blend of tradition and precision. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a 20-30 day maceration before fermenting in stainless steel tanks, with each grape variety receiving meticulous attention. Cabernet Sauvignon is vinified in stainless steel tanks, Merlot in wooden vats, and Petit Verdot in amphorae, showcasing the estate's commitment to optimizing the potential of each variety. The wine is then aged for 18-20 months in 80% new French oak barrels, contributing to Pichon Baron's signature robust and muscular style, dominated by the elegance and power of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Château Pichon Baron: Wines & Second Labels

In addition to the grand vin, Pichon Baron offers two exceptional second wines: Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, which debuted in 2012, and Les Tourelles de Longueville, first produced in 1986. These wines provide an accessible introduction to the estate's excellence, capturing the essence of the Pichon Baron style at a more approachable price point.

Pichon Baron: Wine Styles

Pichon Baron's wines are celebrated for their bold, muscular character and intrinsic elegance, embodying the essence of the Pauillac terroir.  The Wine Advocate's William Kelley even draws parallels between Pichon Baron and its illustrious neighbor, Château Latour, a testament to the estate's exceptional quality. Over the last few decades, the estate's wines have evolved to showcase a modern sheen and increased richness, while still retaining their deep, concentrated flavors and firm tannins that promise excellent aging potential.

Pichon Baron Wine: Vintages

Château Pichon Baron 1989

The 1989 vintage in the Left Bank was characterized by warm, dry conditions, resulting in ripe, concentrated fruits. This Pichon Baron 1989, named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 1992, is a hedonistic expression of the vintage, showcasing opulent dark fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and a lush, full-bodied palate that continues to captivate wine enthusiasts.

Château Pichon Baron 1990

The 1990 vintage in the Left Bank was marked by ideal growing conditions, leading to wines of exceptional quality and longevity. Pichon Baron 1990 exemplifies the vintage's greatness, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. The wine's complex bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice is complemented by a rich, expansive palate with fine-grained tannins, promising a long, fascinating evolution in the cellar.

Château Pichon Baron 2000

The 2000 vintage in the Left Bank is widely regarded as one of the finest in recent memory, producing wines of remarkable depth and concentration. Pichon Baron 2000 is a standout, offering a compelling blend of ripe black fruits, graphite, and tobacco notes. The wine's muscular structure is balanced by its supple, velvety texture, making it a classic expression of the vintage and the estate's signature style.

Château Pichon Baron 2010

The 2010 vintage in the Left Bank is celebrated for its exceptional concentration and freshness, thanks to ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season. Pichon Baron 2010 perfectly captures the essence of this remarkable vintage, presenting a profound, multidimensional wine with layers of dark fruit, mineral, and spice notes. The wine's powerful structure is underscored by its vibrant acidity, ensuring a long, promising future.

Château Pichon Baron 2015

The 2015 vintage in the Left Bank benefited from optimal conditions, resulting in wines of outstanding quality and balance. Pichon Baron 2015 is, as Jeb Dunnuck describes, "a sensational bottle of wine," showcasing the estate's signature style with its bold, expressive dark fruit flavors, fine-grained tannins, and elegant structure. The wine's impressive depth and length make it a true standout of the vintage.

Château Pichon Baron 2016

The 2016 vintage in the Left Bank is considered one of the most exceptional in recent years, with wines displaying remarkable purity, concentration, and balance. Pichon Baron 2016, rated 100 points by Decanter, is described as "a riveting, classy wine, richly aromatic and expressive from the start...benchmark wine destined to reach new heights over the next 20 to 30 years. Magnificent wine."

Château Pichon Baron: Wines of Pauillac Allure

The 2000s mark a significant milestone in Pichon Baron's history, as the estate reached new heights of quality and consistency during this decade. Many critics and enthusiasts consider this period to be the property's finest era to date, a testament to the unwavering dedication and investment in both the vineyards and facilities. As Pichon Baron continues to build upon this success, it is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of Pauillac's most respected and sought-after producers, crafting wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and aging potential. With its rich heritage and ever-ascending quality, it seems inevitable that this "Super Second" estate will continue to rise in both prestige and value in the years to come.