Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 92
The 1996 Pichon-Longueville Baron is beginning to drink beautifully. Unwinding in the decanter and glass with aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, black truffles, burning embers and loamy soil, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, with an attractive core of fruit that’s framed by powdery tannins and succulent acids, concluding with a long, blood orange-inflected finish. While it can’t match what this chateau achieved in 1989 and 1990, it’s showing very well today.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040
Vinous 94
The 1996 Pichon-Baron now has a superior bouquet to the 1995. There is much better definition here, and the scents of blackberry, graphite, smoke and a touch of gravel are all very harmonious and focused – quintessential Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and very fresh in the mouth. Hints of blood orange suffuse vivid black fruit tinged with a core of mineralité toward the finish. This is a seriously fine Pichon-Baron that seems to be pulling away from the 1995. Easily the peak of the nineties. Superb. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040
JancisRobinson.com 16.0
Notably pale crimson. Nicely evolved nose. A real bouquet. Relatively light but very well melded. Much more advanced than some with a hint of roast chestnuts. Slightly tart on the end.
Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020
