2022 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.

2022 had a cold and dry winter, followed by a warm spring which ensures a fairly early bud break. Early April: a severe frost period, but limited consequences. May: flowering and fruit set took place under very good weather conditions. June: the high temperatures allowed the grapes to develop quickly, with a first heat wave in mid-June, followed by a rainy period favourable for the vines. A sunny summer, with generally high temperatures and rain-free heat waves. These conditions caused water restrictions in our vines, however qualitative for our grapes, which yielded a promising tannin and anthocyanin richness. Mid-August was rainy and cool, which stimulated photosynthetic activity. From 22 August, a four-week period of dry and very hot weather stimulated the ripening of seeds and polyphenols. This period without rainfall allowed the decomposition of the aromas of the Cabernets. The harvest took place from September 8 to 21 for the Merlot and from September 19 to October 3 for the Cabernet-Sauvignon.

The Château Pichon Longueville Baron 2022 is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot and is aged 70% in new barrels and 30% in single-vintage barrels for 18 months. Maceration temperatures were kept between 25 and 27°C. Extractions were mainly carried out during mid-fermentation, and the duration of the post-fermentation maceration was fine-tuned through daily tastings. The Merlots were pulled from 29 September to 11 October and the Cabernets from 10 to 24 October. Malolactic fermentation took place quickly under pomace, allowing the wine to be transferred to barrels in separate batches. This was completed on 4 November.

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.