The 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a Bordeaux Blend from the prestigious Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France. With an alcohol percentage of 13.5%, this red wine is a true masterpiece that embodies the essence of its terroir.
In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet-purple color that immediately catches the eye. Its intensity and concentration are apparent from the first glance, hinting at the exceptional quality within. The nose is seductive and alluring, offering a symphony of ripe, expansive fruit aromas. Blackberry, dark cherry, mulberry, and plum take center stage, accompanied by notes of espresso, cedar, and a distinct stony mineral edge. The complexity of the bouquet is truly remarkable.
On the palate, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron reveals its depth, drive, and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction, creating a luxurious and velvety texture. The wine is both powerful and fresh, exuding an incredible vivacity that sets it apart. With each sip, the flavors of black fruits, exotic spices, and minerals unfold, leaving a lasting impression.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 99 points, describing it as the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989. He praises its incredible concentration, ripe fruit aromas, and plush tannins. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gives it a score of 97 points, highlighting its suave and seductive nose, firm structure, and mineral complexity.
The 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a wine that combines opulent richness with an elegant structure. It is bold and full of black fruits, yet perfectly balanced and harmonious. This wine is built to age, with a suggested drinking window starting from 2024. However, for those who cannot resist its allure, it can be enjoyed now with proper decanting. Whether you choose to savor it in its youth or allow it to mature gracefully in your cellar, this wine is a true masterpiece that will continue to captivate for years to come.