2001 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron, Pauillac, Bottle (750ml)

JA95 Unusually this feels even more muscular than the 2000, with dark fruits, fresh acidities and a ton of appellation signature. Powerful tannins that form walls around the fruit even at 20 years old, with nuanced black pepper spice, cocoa bean, woodsmoke, black cherry and blackberry fruit as it opens. 70% new oak. This was the first year with Christian Seely as director, and the selection process for the first wine became more severe, with lower yields and a greater focus on fruit from the historic plot of vines directly opposite Château Latour. Jean-René Matignon remained as technical director.

DR95 Enticing nose with a mix of fresh fruits, spices, and graphite as well as a captivating floral component adding interest. Impressive depth on a palate suffused with even more notes of licorice, graphite, and spices than the 2000, but also a more delicate yet persistent mouthfeel thanks to a finer-grained, satin-like tannic framework. A classy, even great wine that will easily stay the distance for at least another 10 to 20 years. Bravo.