Château Pichon-Longueville Baron
Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, commonly referred to as Pichon Baron, is a prestigious wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. It is classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a distinction that places it among the elite wine producers of the Médoc region. The estate, which primarily grows Cabernet Sauvignon along with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, is known for producing rich, full-bodied wines with pronounced tannins, deep fruit flavors, and significant aging potential.
The history of Château Pichon-Longueville Baron dates back to the 17th century when it was part of a larger estate owned by the Pichon family. In 1850, the property was divided, resulting in the creation of two separate châteaux: Château Pichon-Longueville Baron and Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1987, the insurance company AXA Millésimes acquired Pichon Baron and invested heavily in renovating both the vineyard and the winemaking facilities, significantly enhancing the quality and reputation of the wine.
Pichon Baron produces a flagship grand vin that is typically composed of a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and occasionally small amounts of other Bordeaux varietals. The wine is aged in oak barrels, with a significant proportion being new oak, which adds complexity and structure. The estate also produces a second wine, "Les Tourelles de Longueville," made from grapes sourced from younger vines or parcels not selected for the grand vin. This second wine offers a more approachable and affordable expression of the estate's style.
The wines of Pichon Baron are renowned for their dark fruit flavors, including blackcurrant and blackberry, along with earthy undertones, and notes of tobacco, cedar, and sometimes graphite. Known for their power and structure, these wines balance acidity and tannins, allowing them to age gracefully over several decades. In good vintages, Pichon Baron wines develop greater complexity and depth with time, making them a prime example of Bordeaux's tradition of producing elegant yet robust wines with a strong pedigree and a history of excellence.