2021 Château Pichon Longueville Baron Magnum

Château Pichon Longueville Baron is situated on a prime terroir in Pauillac, known for its gravelly soils that favor 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, strives to express the nuances of the terroir in each vintage. The vinification process includes careful grape sorting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and aging in a combination of new and used oak barrels. Oak is 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 cedar, with a firm tannic structure that offers excellent aging 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, leading to an early resurgence of vegetation. However, in early April, the region was hit by a severe frost, significantly impacting the young shoots, especially the Merlot. Despite the implementation of protective measures, damage remained unavoidable in some plots. May and June brought moderate temperatures and regular rainfall, resulting in slower but regular flowering and fruit set.

The summer began cool and changeable, with a lack of prolonged periods of heat. This delayed ripening and resulted in a season that remained below average in terms of heat. August, however, brought slightly more favorable conditions, with more sunshine and higher temperatures, which partially compensated for the delayed vegetative development. September remained relatively cool and wet, requiring very careful selection at the harvest table to ensure optimal quality.

The harvest began later than usual: from September 27th to October 8th for Merlot, and from October 6th to 15th 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 emphasizes the power of the Cabernet in this cool vintage. 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-fermentation maceration was carefully calibrated for each cuve, based on daily tastings. Malolactic fermentation proceeded smoothly and completed early, ensuring a smooth transition to aging.

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

This is a 1.5 litre magnum – even tastier, more festive and with a longer drinking window.

FACT : In the "Tab: Attachment" you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see the potential discount immediately if you select "Pickup" at the Checkout page. We're located almost next to the Rijksweg with ample parking. Click here for the address.

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WINE AND 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 stew 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.