Pichon Baron 2009

Sweet ink and purity. What's not to like in this essence of not-too-hot claret? Very pure indeed with an amazingly cool finish.Drink 2016-2038

It is a very serious wine that has a mass of powerful black fruits enriching the nose. The palate has depth of flavour, sweetness of fruit and ripe tannins that although they give structure do not impede fruit expression. The finish is lovely, long and rich. Drink 2022-2050.

A year in which Pichon-Baron outperformed Pichon-Comtesse. Christian Seely describes this is a vintage in which "we went for finesse instead of over-extraction" and he succeeded in my view. Black fruits, some spice on the nose and palate, with acidity cutting through the chocolate and coffee bean oak. Fine tannins on the palate. 20+ years.

Black red, big, smoky rich and exotic nose, lots of depth, robust vineyard structure and powerful yet harmonious length, all vigourous potential. Drink 2017-35.

Bold, smoky and chocolatey, this is a concentrated and massive wine for the Medoc, the alcohol showing slightly at the bold warm finish. Where is that T-bone steak? Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

Revealing incredible quality and performing better than it did from barrel, the 2009 appears to be the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron since the 1990 and 1989. An amazing opaque blue/purple color is followed by scents of spring flowers, graphite, smoky charcoal, incense, blackberries, blueberries and hints of coffee and chocolate. Incredibly intense, pure and flawlessly constructed with extravagant layers of fruit and richness, this offering has developed beautifully under the management of Christian Seeley. It is a voluptuous, opulent Pichon Longueville Baron that may eclipse anything they have made in the past. This brilliant wine should be at its peak between 2018 and 2045.

An inky/blue/purple color is followed by aromas and flavors of incense, flowery black currants, and subtle smoke and oak. This full-bodied 2009, which exhibits wonderful intensity, purity, and length, is an exceptional effort, but in this vintage, it must take a back seat to some of its peers, such as Pichon Lalande, Pontet-Canet and Lynch-Bages, not to mention all the first-growths. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful wine that should drink well for 30+ years. (Tasted three times.) Drink 2010-2040.

Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru and then in Hong Kong. The Pichon Baron 2009 has wonderful freshness and lift on the nose: pure black fruits interlaced with cedar and graphite, Cabernet in full force. The palate has a sorbet-like freshness on the entry and then the firm tannins take over. Great weight and structure but very composed and focused towards the finish. Outstanding yet again Mr. Seely. Tasted November 2011.

Tasted at the château and at the UGC. A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, picked between 24th September and the 9th October, cropped at around 35hl/ha and bestowed with 13.76% alcohol. This has a very tight nose at first, demanding coaxing from the glass. Very fine definition, a strict linearity at first, opening up a glacial pace, graphite, smoke, small black cherries, a hint of bilberry and crushed stones. The palate is full-bodied with brilliant definition and focus, even finer tannins than the stupendous 2008, very rounded and supple and yet with a firm linear backbone. No frills at the moment, just pure concentration. Wonderful persistency towards the finish. Top class. Tasted March 2010.

From Robert Parker's Hong Kong Tasting, 8th Nov 2011:Intense aromas of mint and blackcurrants. Very perfumed. Full bodied, with a green coffee bean, cream and dark berry. Muscular and firm. Try after 2018.

Loads of currant and blackberry, with mineral and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine, very long tannins. Really builds on the palate. A racy style, with excellent length.

33 hl/ha, older vines. Two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one third Merlot - they say Merlot quality in 09 was very Cabernet Sauvignon-like. IPT (total polyphenol index) 88, TA 3.4 g/l. One of the most concentrated vintages ever - from fruit not extraction. Very very dark crimson. Very mineral and grown up. Lovely lift and great, polished tannins. Very fresh and fine tannins with density and lift on the finish. Very sophisticated. Lots of mass. Reminds me a little of their 1990, though the yields were very much lower in 2009. Very glossy and confident. Very sophisticated. Date tasted 31st March 2010. Drink 2018-2030.