Bordeaux Prestige: Pichon Longueville Baron (Pauillac)

Previously, we offered some 2010 Pauillac value wines. In this post, we’ll look at one of the most elite and beautiful Pauillac estates, Pichon Baron.

Classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Classification, Pichon Longueville Baron was originally part of a single entity along with neighbor, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The estates were divided in 1850 and since 1987, Pichon Baron has been owned by the French insurance company AXA.

Millesima recently talked with the estate’s Managing Director, Christian Seely, about the estate’s history and the excellent 2009 vintage (which is still available as futures and considerably cheaper than the 2010).

[quote]Pichon Baron’s personality stems from its terroir where we’re standing. We’re on a ridge of deep gravel on which old vines are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. The nature of this plot of land and the wines produced from it determine the personality of Pichon. This is essentially the expression of a great Cabernet. – Christian Seely[/quote]

The 2010 vintage has received excellent reviews from Robert Parker (97-99), Decanter Magazine (18.5), and Wine Spectator (95-98). You can order both 2009 and 2010 Pichon Baron wine futures through Millesima USA.