2018 Pichon-Baron, Pauillac (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1408012 100 points Wine Enthusiast

Outer quote mark This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy. *Cellar Selection* (RV) Inner quote mark (5/2021)

97 points Decanter

Outer quote mark Grilled cedar and attractive aromatics, with well-handled extraction giving confident but unmistakable oak impact. This is good-quality, showing gentle raspberry leaf aromatics on the opening, savoury cassis and bilberry, with pencil lead and crayon appearing along with the tannins as it stretches out through the palate. There was one week less of maceration than normal, so 21 days instead of 28, which will have helped control extractions. 86IPT. (JA) Inner quote mark (11/2020)

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

Outer quote mark A beautiful, majestic Pauillac that reminds me a little of the 2000, the 2018 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron checks in as 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot that was brought up in 80% new French oak. It shows the estate's more pure Cabernet, focused, elegant style yet offers full-bodied richness and serious depth of fruit as well as awesome notes of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, and wet stone-like minerality. With building tannins, a fresh, focused texture, and a great finish, it's not for those looking for instant gratification, and I suspect it will need a solid decade or more of cellaring, but it will evolve for 50 years or more. It's a profound 2018. 97+ Inner quote mark (3/2021)

97 points James Suckling

Outer quote mark Aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, ash and cedar with hints of conifer. Full-bodied, yet so tight and refined with polished, toned tannins that are creamy and compact with a silky texture. Energetic and driven. Inner quote mark (3/2021)

97 points Vinous

Outer quote mark Suave and sophisticated, the 2018 Pichon Baron is a real head-turner. Silky, polished tannins wrap around a core of inky dark red/purplish berry fruit. More than anything else, the 2018 impresses for its exceptional balance. All the elements are so impeccably balanced. That will make the 2018 easy to drink relatively early, although my preference would be to leave it in the cellar for the better part of the next decade. Rose petal, spice, blood orange and mint add brightness and perfume on the long, finely-knit finish. (AG) Inner quote mark (3/2021)

97 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark A very polished and pure expression of Pauillac, but don't go to sleep on it. As charming and vibrant as the cassis, cherry preserve and blackberry paste flavors are, they have a latent saturated feel. And then there's a serious network of iron girders supporting it all, along with sweet tobacco, floral and worn cedar accents. (JM) Inner quote mark (3/2021)

96 points Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, aged for 18 months in barriques, 80% new and 20% one year old. Production of the grand vin represents 50% of the harvest this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose bursts from the glass with flamboyant scents of stewed black plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake, plus suggestions of Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, pencil shavings and espresso. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers impactful black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and spicy. (LPB) 96+ Inner quote mark (3/2021)


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Price: $189.99
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Product Reviews:

By: Trey Beffa | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 6/6/2019 | Send Email
Very tight and concentrated with an almost a chewy texture, this wine shows flavors of black licorice combined with red cherry and berry fruit. Lots of tannin and structure. Another wine for the cellar 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot

By: Ralph Sands | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 5/2/2019 | Send Email
2018 Pichon Longueville Baron is composed of 78% Cabernet and 22% Merlot and represents 50%of the crop. A big heady Cabernet with good ripeness, lot of dark chocolate fruit, no harshness, round but strong tannins. This is a classic Pauillac and a long runner. 2 Stars! Winemaker Jean Rene Matagon calls 2018 is a combination of 2009 by the weather and 2010 on the palate.

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