The 2016 Pichon Baron has a powerful, menthol-scented bouquet that almost overwhelms the senses. This comes across richer than its peers, almost heady in style. The palate is medium-bodied with thick tannins, layers of rich black fruit laced with pencil lead and a dash of white pepper. An extravagant Pauillac with an uncharacteristically hedonistic finish. Superb, but I have had better bottles. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. August 2020

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a suave and seductive nose of warm red and black currants, black plum preserves, truffles, tapenade and rose hip tea with touches of sandalwood and Chinese five spice plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, firmly structured and packed with mineral and exotic spice-laced black fruits, it finishes very long with compelling herbal sparks. November 2018

The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024. März 2020