In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, plum, cassis, floral notes, cedar
Palate: blackcurrant, smooth tannins, chocolate edge, fresh acidity, mineral
Premium second wine of Pichon Baron introduced with the 2012 vintage. Merlot-dominant versus the Cabernet-heavy grand vin; since 2020, partially aged in amphora to add minerality and texture without excessive oak.
What it pairs with
-
Duck confit with lentil salad
The wine's dark fruit and Merlot-sourced richness complement duck's fattiness; lentils echo earthy mineral notes. -
Lamb chops with aubergine caviar
Merlot softness and cassis fruit of Les Griffons work beautifully with lamb's sweetness and charred aubergine's smokiness. -
Soft-ripened cheese such as Brie de Meaux
Fruit-forward Merlot profile pairs with creamy soft-rinded cheeses without the tannin of the grand vin overwhelming them.
History
Introduced with the 2012 vintage to replace the previous second wine Les Tourelles de Longueville as the primary second label. Les Griffons is positioned as a premium second wine rather than a declassified offcut, with selected parcels, higher Merlot, and since 2020 a portion of amphora ageing.
- 2012 — First vintage of Les Griffons de Pichon Baron; replaces Les Tourelles as premium second wine
- 2020 — Partial amphora ageing introduced to add mineral texture
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
- Grapes
- Merlot (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Petit Verdot (5%)
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC
- Oak
- 60% new French oak, partially aged in amphora since 2020
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- $40-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2012
Scores
- Wine Advocate 94 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)