Château Pichon Baron 2018 is the grand vin of Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, ranked Second Growth (2ème Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Classification, in Pauillac, Bordeaux. The château says its Grand Vin comes from the very oldest vines on the estate's historic plots and can age for more than 40 years. This is the grand vin, not the second wines Les Tourelles de Longueville or Les Griffons de Pichon Baron.

The château compares 2018 with 2005: a wet winter and spring followed by a very hot, dry summer. The Merlot was picked on 24–25 September and the Cabernet Sauvignon from 3 to 10 October. The blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, aged for 18 months in barrel and bottled on 10 June 2020.

Tasting note from the château (Jean-René Matignon, Technical Director, July 2020):
"Château Pichon Baron 2018 reveals a dark garnet colour. The precise and delicate nose offers notes of fresh fruit, black berries and spices. The attack is mellow, generous, rounded and juicy, developing powerful, well-blended tannins. The body is structured with silky, racy tannins. The flavour is carried by the structure, which preserves the mid-palate. The finish is tasty, full, fleshy, and harmonious."

Critic scores and reviews

• 100 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Cellar Selection). Drink from 2027.
• 99 points, Decanter: "Generous aromatics of dark berry fruit, caramel, and spice are clear indicators of a warm vintage, but there are also floral notes and no heaviness whatsoever... sustained by gossamer tannins of surprising delicacy."
• 97+ points, Jeb Dunnuck: notes of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, tobacco and wet stone-like minerality.
• 97 points, James Suckling (April 2021): "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. Try after 2026."
• 97 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (March 2021): "A very polished and pure expression of Pauillac, but don't go to sleep on it." Best from 2030 through 2050. 13,300 cases made.
• 97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (March 2021): "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." Drink 2030–2058.
• 96+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate (March 2021): "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." Drink 2025–2050.
• 94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "...one of the more tannic Pauillacs of the vintage, but it could also be one of the most rewarding for those with patience and a cool, damp cellar."
• 18/20, Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com

Details

• Vintage: 2018
• Varietal: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot
• Brand: Château Pichon Baron (Château Pichon-Longueville Baron)
• Classification: 2ème Grand Cru Classé en 1855
• Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux
• Country: France
• Pack size: 750 mL
• Closure: Cork
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Drinking window: 2025–2048 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
• Storage: Cellared at Wine Ark, Alexandria (Sydney)