2010 Pichon Baron
By Chateau Pichon Baron
2010 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2010 vintage stands as a paragon within the hallowed halls of Bordeaux, etching its narrative through the ancestral vines of Château Pichon Baron with remarkable clarity. It is a vintage that is simultaneously a testament to the terroir of Pauillac and the singular artistry of Château Pichon Baron's winemaking.
A Study in Elegance and Power
The 2010 Pichon Baron harnesses the archetypal tension between poise and potency that has come to define this storied estate. In a year when the seasons conspired to bless Bordeaux with near-perfect conditions, Château Pichon Baron capitalized on nature's magnanimity, delivering a wine of profound concentration, layered with opulent blackberry and cassis notes that command attention without overwhelming the senses.
One must speak of the formidable structure in this particular vintage—a backbone of tannins so exquisitely ripe they are akin to silk. This is a wine sculpted by time, destined for longevity, making it an indispensable addition to any serious wine investment portfolio. The climatic conditions throughout 2010 fostered not just ripeness, but a balanced acidity that injects vitality into every glass, ensuring this wine will continue to unfold its narrative for decades to come.
Intoxicating Complexity: A Mirror of Pauillac
On the palate, one finds an intoxicating blend of complexity and precision. As one delves deeper, layers of graphite and subtle hints of violets emerge—a reflection of the deep gravel soils unique to Pauillac. An inviting bouquet of smoke and leather seduces even before a taste, hinting at the sophistication encased within each bottle of 2010 Pichon Baron.
This acclaimed vintage stands as one of exceptional balance where density meets finesse. A remarkable alchemy that crystallizes everything collectors admire in a Pauillac—power, elegance, and impeccable pedigree. For those who seek out wines with both heraldic lineage and profound exuberance—this 2010 from Château Pichon Baron is an incomparable treasure.
Conclusion: An Unrivaled Addition to Your Collection
The timeless allure of the 2010 Pichon Baron from Château Pichon Baron is as clear as it is compelling. It's a vintage defined by its extraordinary equilibrium and dynamism—a masterful encapsulation of everything both connoisseurs and investors search for in fine Bordeaux. Patience will be your ally with this powerful yet graceful titan, for its tapestry of aromas and flavors will only grow more intricate with time. Engage with this hallmark of wine craftsmanship and add its story to the chronicles of your collection.
Current market price
£1,802.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
106
Scores and tasting notes
Administrator Christian Seeley thinks the 2010 is the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron he has ever made, equaling some of the estate's colossal wines from vintages such as 1989 and 1990. It was certainly showing well when I stopped by the chateau in January. Opaque purple, with loads of charcoal, licorice, incense and some exotic Asian spices along with abundant cassis liqueur, blackberry and hints of roasted coffee and spring flowers, it is full-bodied and opulent, with relatively high tannins, but they have sweetened up considerably and seem less aggressive than they did from barrel. The oak is clearly pushed to the background by the wine's wealth of fruit, glycerin and full-bodied texture. This sensational Pichon Longueville Baron needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep 30+ years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London and later at the chateau. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot representing 50% of the total production, matured in 80% new oak for 18 months, the Pichon Baron has a glorious bouquet with blackberry, briary and wild hedgerow. The aromatics are bestowed ethereal purity and elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with abundant, mineral-laden black fruit tinged with espresso. This is very harmonious, a mouth-filling bravura of a Pauillac (perhaps the equivalent of Cos d’Estournel?) There is a pleasing sense of linearity and austerity on the graphite-tinged finish, plus enormous length that will leave you convinced that this is a benchmark Pichon Baron that sits comfortably alongside the 2009. Comparing them both side by side, I would put them on equal par although instinct tells me to bet on ’10 over the long-term. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
A dense and layered wine with lots of ripe and sweet fruit. Loads of currants, plums and tar. This is concentrated and almost jammy with velvety tannins. Powerful. Chewy. Try in 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013