2018 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Château Pichon Longueville Baron is located on a prime terroir in Pauillac, known for its gravelly soils conducive to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety in the vineyards. The estate covers approximately 73 hectares, with Cabernet Sauvignon comprising the majority of the plantings, supplemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Vineyard management at Pichon Longueville Baron is meticulous, with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The combination of the unique terroir and careful vineyard management contributes to the distinctive character of the wines produced on the estate. Château Pichon Longueville Baron follows a traditional approach to winemaking, combining modern techniques with respect for the estate's heritage and history. The winemaking team, led by the talented technical director, seeks to express the nuances of the terroir in each vintage. The vinification process involves careful sorting of the grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation and maturation in a combination of new and used oak barrels. Wise use of oak has been made, allowing the wines to develop complexity and structure without overpowering the fruit characteristics. The wines of Château Pichon Longueville Baron are known for their depth, elegance and aging potential. They typically display a rich bouquet of dark fruit, cassis and cedarwood, with a firm tannin structure that offers excellent aging potential. The estate's commitment to quality and consistency has cemented its status as one of the leading producers in the Pauillac appellation and Bordeaux as a whole.

Château Pichon Baron 2018 is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The wine matures 80% in new barrels, 20% from barrels of one vintage for 18 months. It reveals a dark garnet color. The precise and delicate nose offers notes of fresh fruit, blackcurrants and herbs. The attack is soft, generous, round and juicy and develops powerful, well-blended tannins. The body is structured with silky, spicy tannins. The taste is carried by the structure, which preserves the middle of the taste. The aftertaste is tasty, full, meaty and harmonious. The wealth is perfectly integrated and the style is very characteristic, built to last for decades, while maintaining elegance and distinction.

2018 was characterized by moderate winter temperatures without extremes. Rain fell regularly from early December to late March. Total rainfall was significant and exceeded 500 mm, i.e. about 180 mm above average. The spring was mild, followed by a very hot, dry summer. The bud break, which started in early April, was consistent. However, heavy rains and optimal temperatures favored the development of cryptogamic diseases, leading to very significant crop losses in some places. Flowering started at the end of May and went smoothly. Until the end of July, great care was taken to protect the health of the vines. Subsequently, a phase of water stress, which was unfavorable for grape growth, gradually increased in the run-up to the harvest. Average and maximum temperatures were very high between bunch closure and the end of veraison, lower than in 2003 but slightly higher than in 2005. Veraison started in the early sectors in the last week of July and mid-veraison in early August . Moderate temperatures resulted in very good ripening conditions. 2018 was similar to 2005, with an earlier development than 2015. This early trend towards sunny weather continued until the end of the harvest. High temperatures and water stress were optimal for the anthocyanic richness of the skins and the early ripening of the tannins. At the same time, the potential alcohol content increased rapidly, the total acidity and malic acid content were low, and the pH was high. The old Merlot vines were harvested between September 24 and 25 and the Cabernet-Sauvignon vines from October 3 to 10.

FACT : In the Tab: Appendix you will find the official fact sheet of this beautiful wine. We will send it to you automatically when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you pick up the wine you will often receive a nice discount. You will immediately see the possible discount if you choose Pickup in the Checkout page. We are almost next to the Rijksweg with plenty of parking. Click here for address