Pichon Baron 2021

Pauillac, Second Growth

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6 75cl Bottle Case 6 £420 per Case Case [Add to shopping basket]
Tasting Notes

Inky plum in colour, full of Pauillac character, cassis, fennel, pencil lead, liqourice and slate, bitter chocolate, creamy through the mid palate in a way that is unusual in 2021, with a foot on the break that gives a more understated, old school feel than recent vintages of Pichon Baron. Highest level of Cabernet Sauvignon to date (just a slice more than 2018), with 70% new oak for ageing. Harvest through to October 8.

Score: 94

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2041 02 April 2024

Dark and brooding in bearing, the 2021 Pichon Baron is a somber, mysterious wine. It is every bit as impressive as it was en primeur. Graphite, leather, spice, mocha and dried herbs meld together in a wine of power, precision and contemporary classicism. It's one of my early favorites in this vintage. I won't be too surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests.

Score: 96

Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2031-2061 27 February 2024

The 2021 Pichon Baron, which was matured in 60% new oak and bottled in June 2023, has an engaging bouquet, estuarine-influenced with hints of seaweed permeating the black fruit. It shows fine delineation and focus, the like we have come to expect these days. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, quite fleshy in style to the extent that, if poured blind, I might misconstrue it as its Comtesse neighbor, despite containing just 12% Merlot. There's also a light savory element on the finish. Very fine.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2026-2055 22 February 2024

Distinctive Cabernet nose (highest percentage ever in the blend) with graphite and cassis notes. Very pure and precise. Dense, tight and assertive on the palate, the tannins abundant but just a little wayward. Needs time to settle. Very long finish. Enough substance for ageing.

Score: 17

James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2030-2046 06 May 2022

Blackcurrant, blueberry, violet and blackberry notes, as well as plenty of spices. Medium to full body with plenty of richness and blackcurrant and ink character. Tar and graphite, too. Precise and structured. Very Pichon Baron in nature here. 88% cabernet sauvignon.

Score: 96 - 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 May 2022

A brilliant achievement, the 2021 Pichon-Longueville Baron opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, blackcurrants, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, pencil shavings and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's concentrated and penetrating, with terrific concentration and a beautifully refined, classy profile. A blend of fully 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, it represents the wine this great estate could have produced in 1996. One of the real successes of the vintage, readers who overlook this wine will live to regret it.

Score: 94 - 96

William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 29 April 2022

As to the Grand Vin, the 2021 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot that's a selection of 50% of the total production and is resting in 70% new barrels. This straight, pure, incredibly focused and impressive 2021 has deep blue fruits as well as notes of cassis, graphite, chalky minerality, and hints of tobacco. It's elegant and balanced, with ripe tannins as well as good acidity and density.

Score: 93 - 95

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 06 February 2022