2020 Château Pichon Longueville Les Griffons de Pichon Baron

Château Pichon Longueville Baron is a renowned winery located in Pauillac, Bordeaux. The estate is classified as a second growth (Deuxième Cru) in the official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855, a testament to its historical significance and the quality of its wines.

History of Château Pichon Longueville Baron

The history of Château Pichon Longueville Baron dates back to the 17th century, when it was part of a larger estate known as Château Pichon Longueville. In the 18th century, the estate was divided into two different properties: Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château Pichon Longueville Baron. The latter came into the hands of Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville, giving the estate its distinctive name. Over the years, the estate has changed hands several times and has undergone various improvements and expansions. At the end of the 19th century, the Miailhe family acquired the estate, and they remained stewards of the castle for generations. Today the estate is owned by the AXA Millésimes group, a renowned French insurance company that also owns other prestigious wine estates.

Terroir of 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.

Production and vinification of Château Pichon Longueville Baron

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. Oak has been used judiciously, 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.