Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 98
The 2022 Pichon Baron is one of the most elegant, polished wines I have ever tasted here. Silky and refined, the 2022 is super-impressive right out of the gate. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Blood orange, herbs and floral notes lend notable delineation to a core of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. As I did en primeur, I find the wine's balance nothing short of exquisite. There's more freshness and vibrancy here than in the past, along with a noticeably lower oak imprint and more sensual tannins that lend notable sophistication throughout. The Grand Vin spent 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new, and then two months in wood vats prior to bottling.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2062
Neal Martin 97
The 2022 Pichon Baron was a knockout in barrel, though what matters is how it shows in bottle. This has retained the precision that I discerned previously: delineated scents of blackberry, bilberry and sea spray, just a light melted tar note percolating through with time. So Pauillac! The palate is medium-bodied with a core of sapid black fruit, white pepper and a patina of pencil lead. Perhaps this is a little tight after bottling as you would expect, yet there is linearity and grace about this Pauillac that is enthralling.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2070
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Divine fruit intensity: deep, juicy, well-defined blackcurrant fruit with smoke and graphite complexity. Long finish with strong stony intensity – true to type, with early accessibility. (RH)
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2042
