Wine Advocate 93 / 100 byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015 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 byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015 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 byJames Molesworththe2/10/2015 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 the12/11/2014 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 byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013 (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 byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013 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 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe5/15/2013 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 byNeal Martinthe5/2/2013 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 byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013 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 byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013 Tight, long, fine-grained and statuesque all enveloped in delightful, crisp fruit with a lip-smacking finish.
My Bettane + Desseauve 17,5 / 20 the4/27/2013 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 byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013 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 byJeff Levethe4/26/2013 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 byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/25/2013 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 byJancis Robinsonthe4/24/2013 Drink 2020-203220% 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 bySteven Spurrierthe4/22/2013 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 byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013 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.