The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a Bordeaux blend from Pauillac, France, featuring 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. This deep garnet-purple wine has garnered exceptional reviews from various critics, reflecting its quality and complexity.
James Suckling awarded it a 97, noting its "aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, ash and cedar with hints of conifer." He describes it as "full-bodied, yet so tight and refined with polished, toned tannins that are creamy and compact with a silky texture," recommending it be tried after 2026. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a score of 96+, highlighting its "flamboyant scents of stewed black plums, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake," and praises its "impactful black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by plush tannins and a lively backbone."
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider awarded the wine an impressive 98, calling it possibly "the most concentrated, powerful vintage of Pichon Baron ever produced." He notes its "Cuban cigar, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, red and black currants, forest floor and peppery spice box aromas," and emphasizes its "perfectly balanced" nature despite its concentration. This vintage uniquely aged in 100% new oak, showcasing its immense power.
Decanter's review stands out with a near-perfect score of 99, citing its "generous aromatics of dark berry fruit, caramel, and spice" and "gossamer tannins of surprising delicacy." They note its need for cellaring, suggesting a drinking window from 2025 to 2070.
Jeb Dunnuck also gave it a 97+, appreciating its "full-bodied richness and serious depth of fruit" with "notes of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, tobacco, and wet stone-like minerality." He predicts it will evolve for 50 years or more.
Notably, Wine Enthusiast awarded a perfect score of 100, calling it "a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy," suggesting to drink from 2027.
Overall, the 2018 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux blend, praised for its depth, complexity, and aging potential. Its balanced yet powerful profile, along with high scores from multiple reviewers, makes it a standout vintage worth the investment.