Pichon Baron 1997

A vintage that is really delivering right now, so many drinkable, juicy and delicate wines that should be relished but not cellared for much longer. This majors on soft black fruits, brambled loganberry and cassis, with tobacco, saffron, liquorice. Gently mouthwatering on the finish, but fades quickly. Served from magnum, and I would suggest looking for it in this format to maximise the fruit character. First vintage with Cabernet Franc in the blend. 80% new oak.

This is a fruit-driven wine with good quantities of black currant fruit, medium body, a nicely saturated color, and a soft, diffuse finish. It should firm up with more cask aging, and be delicious when released later this year. Anticipated maturity: now-2010.

Well focused and delineated for a 1997, this offering is characterized by copious quantities of sweet black currant fruit intermixed with toasty pain grillé scents. In the mouth, there is a well-focused feeling, moderate tannin, and a moderately long finish. It should keep for 15 years.