Chateau Pichon Baron   Pichon Baron

2008 Pichon Baron

By Chateau Pichon Baron

2008 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The 2008 vintage from the esteemed Château Pichon Baron lands upon the palate with the stately grace one would expect from a premier cru classé of Pauillac. This particular year presents an intriguing profile, distinct in its balanced expression and harmonious integration of elements. The 2008 Pichon Baron captures the essence of a vintage that, despite a tumultuous growing season, culminated in wines of profound elegance and finesse.

 

A Unique Expression of Terroir and Time

Resting in the glass with a deep crimson shade, the 2008 Pichon Baron unfurls with subtle aromas of dark cherries and cassis, intertwined with hints of cedar and graphite - hallmarks of Pauillac's noble terroir. The climatic conditions of 2008 were less than ideal; a cool and wet early summer posed challenges but was followed by a glorious September that bestowed optimal ripening conditions on the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend.

On the palate, this wine impresses with its structure, offering finely tuned tannins that provide a scaffold for the symphony of black fruits and earthy notes to perform. Retaining a lively acidity that was a signature of this vintage across Bordeaux, it is plush yet precise - an orchestrated balance between power and poise that can only be pinpointed to 2008.

 

An Investment in Quality

An astute selection for fine wine investors, the 2008 Pichon Baron portrays not only the triumphs over the twists of nature but also marks a chapter of excellence from Château Pichon Baron. It’s a testament to skillful winemaking and attentiveness to the rhythm of the seasons. As it continues to mature gracefully within its bottles, this vintage will undoubtedly unfurl even more layers of complexity.

In conclusion, those seeking to expand their portfolios would find the 2008 Pichon Baron an enticing proposition. It stands as one of those notable iterations where character is defined less by bombast and more by resilience and sophistication. For collectors and epicureans alike, this is an investment-grade Pauillac that tells a story - not just of its origins but also of its journey through one challenging yet rewarding vintage.

Current market price

£1,390.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

86.88

Scores and tasting notes

96

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. “Oh baby baby” as Salt ‘n Pepa declared back in the day: Pichon Baron is a real star of this vintage. It is a little introverted at first, tightly-wound dark berries, tar and graphite and a touch of autumnal leaves. The palate has a chewy entry, good acidity, firm grip with a dense persuasive finish that is First Growth standard. There is quite a bit of extraction here but it is beautifully focused and tensile. This is one of the finest Left Bank wines. Tasted January 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012

95

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Pichon Longueville Baron is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of Pauillac in 2008. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, coffee and licorice. Exceptionally full-bodied with velvety tannins and undeniable appeal, this gorgeous, well-proportioned, larger than life 2008 should age effortlessly for two decades or more. With the realistic pricing that remains for many 2008s, this is a no-brainer.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011

92

A young wine with a solid core of fruit and toasted oak, with hints of chocolate and cedar. Full and silky, with a lovely texture and a long, fruity finish. Lots going on here. Solid and integrated. All there. Give it three to four years of bottle age.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010

Vintage performance