Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
100 Points Decanter
Pichon Baron 2016 is a riveting, classy wine, richly aromatic and expressive from the start with a complex bouquet of black cherry, liquorice, graphite, menthol and subtle spices. The palate combines fleshy texture and linearity. The fine-grained tannins have the laser-like precision that Christian Seely likes so much, and contribute to the overall impression of crystalline purity so conducive to the terroir expression of this benchmark wine destined to reach new heights over the next 20 to 30 years. Magnificent wine.
99 Points James Suckling
The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024.
99 Points International Wine Review
The 2016 Château Pichon Baron is drop-dead stunning and one of the most compelling and complete wines from the vintage. Composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, this begins with wonderfully complex aromatics of ripe dark currants, sweet exotic spices, roasted coffee grounds, fresh florals, graphite and hints of loam which all come together seamlessly in the glass. On the palate this follows through and continues to thoroughly impress with its full body and beautifully polished, yet supportive tannins and a deep core of ripe fruit. It demonstrates remarkable depth and concentration along with outstanding balance and finesse leading up to the long, graceful finish. This wine has it all and while it is already quite fascinating in its youth it is ultimately built for the long term. This is an epic vintage for Pichon Baron, and could eventually go down as one the greatest wines ever from this legendary Château.
98 Points The Wine Independent
A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, the 2016 Pichon Baron is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of swirling to uncover notes of blackcurrant cordial, chocolate-covered cherries, and boysenberry preserves, plus suggestions of cedar chest, tapenade, and clove oil, with a touch of iron ore. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with energy, featuring layers of black fruits and minerals, supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long and earthy. This is so beautifully pure and intense.
98 Points Jane Anson
An exceptional vintage where the Cabernet expression at five years old is dominant - savoury and sculpted cassis bud, bilberry and blueberry fruit alongside waves of rosebud and violet. The tannins are concentrated and still austere, but this is a great Pichon Baron, with liqourice, slate, pencil lead, waves of flavour resonating through the palate. Just a brilliant reflection of a vintage and a terroir.
