Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Pauillac 2nd label of Pichon Baron 2018 750ml

A 2nd Classified Growth of 1855 belonging to the elite group of Bordeaux Grands Crus, Château Pichon Baron is one of the greatest estates of the Pauillac appellation, on the left bank of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

A veritable mosaic of terroirs and superbly located near the Gironde estuary, the Pichon Baron vineyard extends over 73 hectares of vines planted in Médoc gravels soils with perfect drainage. The oldest vines of the property are used in the production of this emblematic Pauillac wine.

The wine

Produced since the 2012 vintage, Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is the Second Wine of Château Pichon Baron.

The vintage

A winter marked by heavy rainfall preceded a mild spring which favoured a homogeneous budburst as well as flowering despite significant disease pressure. Although water constraints were recorded throughout summer, the pleasant summer temperatures ensured an optimal ripening of the grapes until the harvest.

Colour: The colour of this wine is dense and deep.

Nose: The nose blends fruity (black fruits) and woody fragrances with finesse.

Palate: The full and smooth palate exudes alluringly powerful tannins along with a seductive balance and richness. The finish harmoniously blends persistence and freshness.

Cellaring: Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2018 is a Pauillac wine that can be kept in the cellar until around 2038 to reveal its full aromatic range.

Jeb Dunnuck writes: The 2018 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is normally a more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated cuvée, but Merlot excelled in 2018 and the blend is closer to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a much more focused, tight, backward wine compared to the Les Tourelles and has a terrific nose of spiced blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, chocolate, and lead pencil. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied wine with ripe yet firm tannins, impressive overall balance, and outstanding length. It's certainly a more classic, focused Pauillac and will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and drink nicely for a decade. - Jeb Dunnuck 93+

Lisa Perrotti-Brown writes: The 2018 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is composed of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot, aged for 12 months in barriques, 30% new and 70% one year old. Production of this label represents 20% of the harvest this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose opens with wonderfully pure cassis and ripe black plums notes, leading to hints of clove oil, chocolate-covered cherries and tobacco leaf, with a waft of bay leaves. The palate delivers a firm, rugged texture and soft acidity, framing the mouth-coating black fruits nicely, finishing on a savory note. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

Julia Harding, MW writes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot. 18 months in oak, 60% new. Barrel sample. 
Black core with purple rim. A little more stony/cedary on the nose than the Tourelles. Gorgeous Cabernet aroma: upright, a touch spicy and such pure non-sweet cassis. Slightly charry on the palate, but the tannins are so fine, you don't see their density. More chewy than the Tourelles on the finish, more structured but still supple and generous on the finish. A very impressive Griffons. - Jancis Robinson 17.5

Antonio Galloni wrties: The 2018 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is a heady, wild Pauillac. An exotic mélange of inky black fruit, chocolate, spice, grilled herbs, espresso and new oak gives the Griffons its extroverted personality. The tannins need a bit of time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to. This is an especially dense, rich Pauillac. - Vinous 93

Jane Anson writes: This is a concentrated Griffons this year, with claws (I'll get my coat). It’s intense with lots of power and layers up quickly with inky tight cassis notes and akin to 2010 in feel. While it certainly makes you feel the link to the first wine, for me it’s Tourelles that captures the seductive suave character that is so enjoyable in 2018. 60% new oak.- Decanter 90

James Suckling writes: Blackberry, plum, cocoa and gravel aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine tannins framing a solid core of spiced black fruit. Tight, mineral finish. Very fine and balanced. Try from 2024. - James Suckling 92

James Molesworth writes: Direct, with fresh and pure cherry, damson plum and raspberry flavors laced with subtle cedar and savory notes through the slightly taut finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2028. - Wine Spectator