Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Pauillac 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

The estate's grand vin is produced directly opposite Château Latour, on perfectly drained gravel soils benefiting from the microclimate of the Gironde banks. Pichon possesses the vigor and power of the greatest Médocs, in a very pure style lovingly overseen by Jean-René Matignon, one of Bordeaux's most experienced technical directors. All recent vintages have been remarkable, with the same classicism of character linked to the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and the mineral and graphite notes of the terroir. The second wine, tourelles, has made great progress, but the novelty is the appearance of another wine, griffons, in 2012, from young vines on the great terroirs, and very successful.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

The original vineyard was created in the 17th century by Jacques de Pichon, Baron de Longueville. Divided in two in 1850, part of the vineyard reverted to Raoul de Pichon-Longueville (the other part became Pichon Comtesse), who had the present château built. Inspired by Azay-le-Rideau, the building contrasts with the horizontal lines of the winery built after Axa Millésimes bought the estate in 1987. The insurer undertook major renovations under the leadership of Jean-Michel Cazes, then Christian Seely, with Jean-René Matignon in charge of technical management. Since 2001, the selection policy has been intensified: only 40 ha of the 73 ha of this exceptional terroir, made up of fine Garonne gravel and immediately adjacent to Latour, are now used for the grand vin.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

This very fine second growth has produced a series of truly astonishing wines, and has established itself at the top of the Médoc hierarchy. Impossible to miss from the Route des Châteaux, the sumptuous home of "Pichon Baron" has been refurbished from top to bottom in less than two decades, and the team around Christian Seely is doing an exemplary job of bringing Pichon Baron to the top of the Médoc crus. The winemaking facilities and ageing cellar, as well as the vineyard, which has been extensively replanted, have enabled it to achieve historic levels of quality in recent vintages. The second wine is now called Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, Les Tourelles having become a subsidiary brand with its own vineyard.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This is Pichon Baron's second wine. Its juicy richness echoes the estate's grand vin with its structure and powerful fruit. The texture, however, has a lightness that allows it to mature relatively quickly. Drink from 2026.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

The "Griffons de Pichon-Baron 2019" wine was captivating en primeur. It's just as impressive today. A Pauillac of substance and depth, Les Griffons is super expressive. It offers an exotic blend of black fruits, licorice, smoke and tobacco, with strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections giving it a savory aromatic presence. The long, lingering finish is exceptionally beautiful. 2025-2039

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Griffon reveals its authenticity through nuances of graphite, black berries and licorice. With a suave character on the palate, it's elegant and already very approachable, while boasting promising, buoyant tannins. What a wonderful way to invite you to discover the great wines of this magnificent estate. 2023-2033

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

Beautiful dark purple color. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity and subtle. Delicate on entry, very finely fleshy on development, very aromatic in the middle, the wine takes on flavor from the middle to the finish, with a bloody note in the overall expression. Finishes without an ounce of tannin. Fine-grained finish.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, flowers, espresso, damp forest leaves and cigar box are easily revealed on the nose. In classic Pauillac style, the wine is fresh, vibrant, delicate, chewy and slightly reserved. It finishes with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, espresso, spices, cocoa and a touch of dark chocolate and savory herbs on the finish. Drink between 2025 and 2040.