2025 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

EXCLUSIVE OFFER - AVAILABLE SPRING 2028

Winery

Château Pichon Baron is one of the most famous wineries in Bordeaux and has held the status of Deuxième Grand Cru Classé since the 1855 classification. The estate is located directly next to Château Latour, in the southern part of Pauillac. Over the past decades, Pichon Baron has developed into one of the most consistent producers in the Médoc. The best plots surrounding the château form the basis for the Grand Vin, which is known for its power, elegance, and exceptional aging potential. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The vineyards of Château Pichon Baron are situated on some of the best gravel ridges in Pauillac. These deep pebble soils provide excellent drainage and encourage the roots to penetrate deep into the subsoil. The proximity of the Gironde has a moderating influence on the climate, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly. The terroir produces wines with a pronounced Cabernet signature, great structure, and a characteristic combination of power and refinement.

Grapes and vineyard management

The 2025 consists of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot. The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is among the highest percentages of recent years and is even higher than in 2020 and 2022. The grapes come from the oldest vines on the estate and were harvested between September 8 and 24. The yield was limited to just 24 hectoliters per hectare, resulting in exceptional concentration. Strict selection was applied during the harvest, with 3 to 5 percent of the grapes ultimately being rejected to retain only the best fruit.

Vinification and aging

After careful selection, the grapes were processed using a gravity-driven system. Light sulfite application, yeast-based bioprotection, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and low fermentation temperatures were employed. Extraction was deliberately slow and controlled, involving gentle remontage and délestage. Subsequently, the wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new and 30% one-year-old. During this aging process, sur lie aging contributes to added depth, texture, and complexity.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep dark red color. The aroma opens with cassis, blackcurrants, dark cherries, and plums, followed by notes of graphite, pencil shavings, licorice, mint, blood orange, and exotic spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with impressive concentration. The tannins are powerful yet exceptionally refined and creamy in texture. The fresh acidity provides tension and precision, while the core of ripe fruit ensures balance. The finish is long, mineral, and layered, with a combination of power and elegance characteristic of great Pauillac.

Style and character

The 2025 Pichon Baron displays a more classic style than many recent warm vintages. Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage, providing structure, freshness, and aging potential. Despite the concentration, the wine remains remarkably refined and energetic. The combination of ripe fruit, powerful tannins, and lively acidity results in a wine that is both impressive and harmonious. This is a Pauillac that can effortlessly hold its own against the château's best recent vintages.

Volume

After a relatively dry and mild winter, a warm growing season with limited rainfall followed. A cooler period in late July gave the vines a chance to recover, after which a heatwave in August ensured optimal phenolic ripening. Rain in early September proved particularly favorable for the Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest took place over just sixteen days and is among the earliest of the past thirty years. The result is a wine with controlled power, excellent balance, and a pronounced tannin structure. The alcohol content is 13.3%. The expected drinking window runs from 2035 to 2065, with further aging likely to yield even more complexity.

Food and wine pairings

This Pauillac comes into its own perfectly with sirloin steak, côte de boeuf, rack of lamb, and game dishes such as venison or roe deer. Dishes with black truffle, mushrooms, or slow-cooked beef also make a wonderful combination. Thanks to its fresh structure and refined tannins, the wine remains elegant alongside rich dishes.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.