CHATEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE au Baron de Pichon-Longueville 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2017 Bottle

Description

Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron 2017 is a concentrated, poised Pauillac that marries power with refined precision. Deep ruby with a purple rim, it opens with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry, lifted by violet and a redcurrant lift; aeration reveals cedar, pencil lead and subtle graphite with olive tapenade and smoked meat. Full bodied with a generous yet refined mid palate, dense dark fruit is framed by fine tannins and bright acidity; notes of cured meat, black olive and soy reduction lead to clove, dark chocolate and a warm spice from oak. A saline mineral seam and faint iron note lengthen the finish. Approachable with decanting; will cellar well. Drink 2026 to 2045. Critics: Decanter 98 "Fantastic long finish"; Wine Advocate 95 "Elegant and refined"; James Suckling 95 "Cool and racy."

On the palate the wine is full bodied with a generous yet refined mid palate, displaying dense dark fruit framed by finely grained tannins that provide structure without undue austerity. Flavours of cassis, plum and ripe black cherry evolve into savoury layers of cured meat, black olive and soy reduction, while discreet oak influence contributes clove, dark chocolate and a warm spice that supports rather than dominates. Bright acidity threads through the core, giving lift and energy and ensuring the wine remains focused and lively. A saline mineral seam and a faint iron note extend the finish and reinforce the Pauillac signature.

The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux combined generally warm ripening with cooler spells at key moments, producing wines with ripe fruit, polished tannins and clear acidity. At Pichon Baron this translates into a wine that is generous and approachable yet built for medium to long term ageing, showing both immediate appeal and structural depth.