2021 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Château Pichon Longueville Baron is located on a prime terroir in Pauillac, known for its gravelly soils which are conducive to growing 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 heritage and history of the estate.

The winemaking team, led by the talented Technical Director, seeks to express the nuances of the terroir in each vintage. The vinification process includes careful sorting of the grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation and maturation in a combination of new and used oak barrels. Oak has been used wisely, 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 ageing potential. They typically display a rich bouquet of dark fruit, cassis and cedar, with a firm tannic structure that offers excellent ageing potential. The estate’s dedication to quality and consistency has cemented its status as one of the leading producers in the Pauillac appellation and Bordeaux as a whole.

The winter of 2021 was relatively mild and wet, which allowed for an early revival of vegetation. However, in early April, the region was hit by a severe frost, with significant impact on the young shoots, especially on Merlot. Despite the implementation of protective measures, damage remained inevitable in some plots. May and June brought moderate temperatures and regular rainfall, which resulted in slower but regular flowering and fruiting.

The summer started cool and changeable, with a lack of long periods of heat. This delayed ripening and resulted in a season that remained below average in terms of heat. August brought slightly more favourable conditions, with more sunshine and higher temperatures, which partly compensated for the vegetative delay. September remained relatively cool and wet, which required very careful selection at the harvest table to guarantee optimum quality.

The harvest started later than usual: from September 27 to October 8 for Merlot, and from October 6 to 15 for Cabernet-Sauvignon. Strict triage in the vineyard and cellar was essential to preserve the best fruit.

The Château Pichon Longueville Baron 2021 is a blend of 78% Cabernet-Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, a composition that highlights the power of the Cabernet in this cool year. The wine is aged 70% in new French oak barrels and 30% in one-year-old barrels, for 18 months. Fermentations were carried out at temperatures between 25 and 27°C, with gentle extractions during fermentation. Post-fermentative maceration was carefully adjusted per cuve, based on daily tastings. Malolactic fermentation was smooth and completed early, ensuring a smooth transition to the maturation process.

Despite the climatic challenges of the year, this vintage shows a classic structure, refined acidity and an exceptional aromatic freshness. A wine that embodies the character and finesse of the terroir, with a particularly elegant expression of Cabernet.

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

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WINE-FOOD SUGGESTIONS:

• Grilled entrecote with rosemary and garlic
  The juicy, marbled beef complements the structure and dark fruit of the wine perfectly.

• Lamb chops with thyme and roasted vegetables
  The spicy lamb flavour and roasted vegetables enhance the spicy and earthy notes of the wine.

• Mushroom risotto with parmesan cheese
  The umami of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the risotto harmonize with the complexity of the wine.

• Roasted duck breast with a blackcurrant sauce
  The rich duck flavour and fruity sauce complement the ripe tannins and dark fruit of the wine.

• Deer steak stewed in red wine with root vegetables
  The deep flavours of stewed game and root vegetables are beautifully supported by the wine's powerful structure.

• Roasted rack of veal with a truffle and cèpes sauce
  The delicate veal flavour and earthy truffle notes find a perfect partner in the elegant yet powerful style of this Pauillac.