Château Pichon Baron - Pauillac 2012

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

par Robert Parker le 30/04/2015

As for the big sibling, the 2012 Pichon Baron (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) probably has the most saturated purple color of the Pauillacs. Its structure is apparent, and the wine offers a wealth of blackcurrant fruit interwoven with licorice, graphite, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent and moderately tannic, this wine is approachable now because of its low acidity, but promises to age beautifully for 20+ years. This is another great classic from Pichon Baron.

Jamessuckling.com

94 / 100

par James Suckling le 15/02/2015

A pretty core of ripe-berry, currant and mineral character to this red with a full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish to add. Creamy texture. Better in 2017.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

par James Molesworth le 10/02/2015

This has a lively spine of briar that pumps through the core of cassis and plum fruit, while anise and sweet tobacco notes fill in on the finish. Shows a twinge of plum skin at the end, but delivers more than enough flesh and drive overall. A solid effort. Best from 2017 through 2027. 14,166 cases made. –JM

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

le 11/12/2014

Delicious aroma of ripe, dark fruit, spice and cedar. Very finely textured, fluid and elegant. Juicy finish. Not that concentrated but very long.

(JH)13% Drink 2018-2028

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

89-91 / 100

par Ian D'Agata le 30/06/2013

(80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot; 80% new oak):  Opaque ruby-purple.  Fragrant bouquet of blackberry, violet and spicy graphite.  Bright and juicy on the palate, with sneaky concentration and lively acidity lifting the delicate blackcurrant and mineral flavors.  Finishes long and tactile, with hints of ink and spice.  A very good showing.

Le Point

17 / 20

par Jacques Dupont le 16/05/2013

Nez réglissé, épices, petites note de framboise, bouche tendue, serrée, fruité, très construit, très sérieux mais avec le fruité, juteux, beaucoup d'éclat. O= 2017 G= 14 ans.

Asian Palate

92 / 100

par Jeannie Cho Lee MW le 15/05/2013

There is great density and concentration in this wine with structured, firm tannins. The small berries in this vintage from drought conditions probably contributed to this concentration. Supple texture and good balance with potential to age longer than the 2011. There is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend. The yields were extremely low, about 5 hl/hectare.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

par Neal Martin le 02/05/2013

Tasted en primeur at the château. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot picked between 1st and 17th October, the old vines picked form 8th October. It has a strict, quite conservative bouquet that is very focused: sous-bois, graphite and just a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy entry. There is a good edginess here lent by the citric acidity with a very composed, harmonious finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. Very fine – but much more classic in style than recent vintages – in fact, more like Latour! Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

par James Molesworth le 30/04/2013

Features a bright, lively, leafy edge, with cassis bush and tobacco framing the slightly tangy core of red currant and black cherry, showing a solid note of iron. Cuts a distinctive profile, displaying sappy intensity through the finish. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

18 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 30/04/2013

Tight, long, fine-grained and statuesque all enveloped in delightful, crisp fruit with a lip-smacking finish.

My Bettane + Desseauve

17,5 / 20

le 27/04/2013

Grande couleur, vin intensément constitué pour l’année, pas encore aussi avancé aromatiquement que d’autres pauillacs, rigoureux, racé, dépassera au vieillissement beaucoup de vins de la rive droite.

Wine Advocate

90-93 / 100

par Robert Parker le 26/04/2013

A strong effort from this Pauillac chateau, most of the old vine Cabernet Sauvignon from their parcels near Latour made it into the 2012 Pichon Longueville Baron’s final blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. A dense purple color is accompanied by an attractive bouquet of incense, cassis, cedar and toasty oak. It is medium to full-bodied as well as bigger, richer and brawnier than most Medoc 2012s. Noticeable tannin in the finish suggests 3-4 years of cellaring is warranted. Drink it over the following two decades.
Drink: 2016 - 2036

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 26/04/2013

Utilizing 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the wine reached 13.1% alcohol. With a deep crimson ruby color, it’s easy to find forest, tobacco, earth, cassis and blackberry notes. Once past the aromatics, the wine is fresh and lively with black raspberry, vanilla, soft textures and an inner core of crème de cassis, which will only improve with age. The wine will be aged in 80% new French oak. 92-94 Pts

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,75 / 20

par Jean-Marc Quarin le 25/04/2013

Couleur intense et belle. Nez fruité de type frais, mûr et suave. Entrée en bouche caressante puis le vin se développe très fruité, juteux, savoureux, complexe en milieu de bouche. C’est à partir de là qu’il excelle pour s’achever long et séveux sur un grain fin et parfumé.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

par Jancis Robinson le 24/04/2013

Drink 2020-2032
20% Merlot, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. 15-80 years old. Bright dark crimson. Glows with health. Great vigour on the nose. Amazing sweetness on the front palate. Thick and rich. Cool and fresh. This wine goes to the gym. A little hard on the finish. Needs lots of time but twinkles with health. Lots of energy. Just a tad dry and demanding on the finish. Subtle and (very) dry on the end.

Decanter.com

17,75 / 20

par Steven Spurrier le 22/04/2013

Dense black red, masses of extraction and grip, a truly "masculine" Pauillac for the long-term. 17.75/20pts ( 92/100pts)
Drink: 2018 - 2035

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

par James Suckling le 04/04/2013

This wine builds on the palate with pretty currants and berries. Full body, with a tender core of fruit and a tannins structure that builds on the palate. It is precise and fresh. Creamy fruit and ripe tannins.