Private Médoc Wine Tour: Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien
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Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2032 to 2057.
vintage10 yrs35 yrs37 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Advocate reviewed 2025 | 2022 | 98/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
In the glass
Aroma: creme de cassis, pencil shavings, licorice, lilac, dark berries
Palate: blackcurrant, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco, slate, mineral edges
Pauillac second-growth with an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon proportion for the appellation. AXA Millesimes' investment since 1987 has lifted consistency dramatically; the 2022 vintage drew especially strong critical praise in bottle.
What it pairs with
- Roast leg of Pauillac lamb Local AOC lamb is the archetypal pairing; Pichon Baron's firm Cabernet structure and cassis cut the fat beautifully.More wines for lamb →
- Grilled ribeye with bone marrow The wine's power and structure are matched by the richness of a marrow-enriched steak.More wines for steak →
- Wild mushroom Wellington In older vintages, Pichon Baron develops earthy, mushroom tones that echo the filling.More wines for mushrooms and truffles →
With cheese
How to serve Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast leg of Pauillac lamb, Grilled ribeye with bone marrow, Wild mushroom Wellington. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Pichon estate was divided in 1850 between Baron and Comtesse heirs; both halves were classified as Second Growths in 1855. The Baron half, now Pichon-Longueville Baron, was acquired by AXA Millesimes in 1987 along with major cellar renovations. Alexandra Lebossé has been winemaker since 2017.
- 1855Classified as Deuxieme Cru Classe in the Medoc classification
- 1987Acquired by AXA Millesimes; major winery reconstruction and quality improvement begins
- 20222022 vintage drew strong in-bottle critical review from Wine Advocate (William Kelley, March 2025; reviewer-points tuples on scores array)
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron · visiting guide
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
- Classification
- Pauillac AOC, Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification)
- Oak
- 18 months in 80% new French oak barriques
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- $80-160 at retail
- Drinking window
- 10-35 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1694
Frequently asked about Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
What does Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron taste like?
On the nose, creme de cassis, pencil shavings, licorice, lilac, dark berries. On the palate, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco, slate. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long with cassis and graphite finish. Pauillac second-growth with an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon proportion for the appellation. AXA Millesimes' investment since 1987 has lifted consistency dramatically; the 2022 vintage drew especially strong critical praise in bottle.
When should I drink Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron?
Drink 10-35 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron?
Roast leg of Pauillac lamb is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled ribeye with bone marrow and Wild mushroom Wellington. Local AOC lamb is the archetypal pairing; Pichon Baron's firm Cabernet structure and cassis cut the fat beautifully.
What grapes are in Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. The wine is classified as Pauillac AOC, Deuxieme Cru Classe (1855 classification).
Tags
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