Pichon Baron 2005

The 2005 Pichon-Baron is showing impressively after 13 years. It boasts intense black cherry, raspberry coulis, graphite and mineral scents that gain intensity in the glass. There is nuance and detail here, perhaps more than any previous release of this Second Growth. The masculine palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin and an insistent grip in the mouth, indicative of its long-term intentions. The mineralité surfaces in a second half that demonstrates great tension and energy. There is considerably more length than previous vintages, and superior precision. An outstanding 2005 that deserves several more years in bottle. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château. Drink: 2020-2055

The 2005 Pichon Baron has a dense ruby/purple color, sweet crème de cassis fruit, lots of cedar wood and forest floor, medium to full body, ripe tannin, and a long finish of a good 30+ seconds. This is a beauty and one of the most successful Pauillacs of this vintage. Drink it now through 2035. Drink 2015 - 2035.

The 2005 Pichon Baron is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-brick in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with open-knit scents of blackcurrant pastilles, blackberry preserves, and licorice, with hints of mocha, black truffles, and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm, with ripe, grainy tannins, supporting the voluptuous mid-palate fruit, finishing long and decadent. Maturing now, this is a 2005 with great richness and soft acidity. It is delicious right now and should continue to cellar to 2040+.

A fine tannic frame, blackberry and cassis fruits, hints of cigar, rosebud and tobacco leaf. You will be able to find more generous examples of the 2005 vintage in Pauillac appellation right now, as there remains some austerity to the tannins through the mid palate, but this is a vintage that has proved stubborn over the past 15 years, and is only just starting to come into its own - I would suggest giving this another few years and then checking back in. 80% new oak. Watch out for bottle variation - a second bottle we opened showed more nuance and generosity. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.