2012 Pichon Baron Bordeaux Red

2012 Pichon Baron

94 JD

Featured Review

A silky, pure, even sexy, Pauillac that excels in the vintage, the 2012 from Pichon Longueville Baron sports a deep ruby/purple color to go with surprisingly ripe notes of black currants, toasted bread, saddle leather and sweet oak. Full-bodied, ripe, plush and supple, with low acidity and ripe, yet present tannin, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will drink beautifully over the following 15-20 years. Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck | 94 JD

A pretty core of ripe-berry, currant and mineral character to this red with a full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish to add. Creamy texture. Better in 2017.

James Suckling | 94 JS

The 2012 Pichon Baron is a magnificent wine that exudes freshness on the nose, with razor-sharp graphite notes suffusing the black fruit. The structured, linear palate just “sings” Pauillac; it is not as bold or as ambitious as the 2009 or 2015, yet there is perfect dryness toward the finish that urges you to take another sip. Granted, it is far too soon to broach this wine – I just couldn’t help myself.

Vinous Media | 94 VM

As for the big sibling, the 2012 Pichon Baron (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) probably has the most saturated purple color of the Pauillacs. Its structure is apparent, and the wine offers a wealth of blackcurrant fruit interwoven with licorice, graphite, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent and moderately tannic, this wine is approachable now because of its low acidity, but promises to age beautifully for 20+ years. This is another great classic from Pichon Baron.

Robert Parker | 93 RP

(Château Pichon Baron, Pauillac, France, Red) As a vintage, 2012 was similar to 2014, but with a notch less intensity and ripeness. The nose is muted, with blackcurrant and blackberry aromas. It's oaky but stylish, with some torrefied notes. Rich and full-bodied, the palate is velvety and concentrated, with imposing fruit. It's more forward and shows less tension than 2014, but has a lot of structure for the vintage. Supple tannins on the long finish. (Drink between 2019-2035).

Decanter | 92 DEC

This has a lively spine of briar that pumps through the core of cassis and plum fruit, while anise and sweet tobacco notes fill in on the finish. Shows a twinge of plum skin at the end, but delivers more than enough flesh and drive overall. A solid effort. Best from 2017 through 2027. 14,165 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 92 WS

Type of Wine	Bordeaux Red : Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red
Varietal	Bordeaux Blend
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.