Winery
Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron
Region
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Info
Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is one of the second wines of the property. Created since the 2012 vintage, it has a pure and direct character. The grapes which make up this wine's blend come primarily from gravelly plots of land near to the Gironde estuary, a good environment for Cabernet-sauvignon. Les Griffons offers a vigorous and fresh tasting experience, full-bodied and clean, overflowing with energy. It can be laid down in the cellar for over 20 years or enjoyed right away.
Varietal
52 % Cabernet-Sauvignon, 48 % Merlot
Alcohol%
13.5
Tasting Note
Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2016 has a dark, intense and almost opaque colour. The nose is enhanced by fresh dark fruit such as blackberry and cherry, followed by spices and lightly grilled notes of wood. The palate is fleshy, opulent and well balanced. The texture of the tannins is juicy and creamy. As a whole, it is harmonious and distinguished.
Awards
93 points Jeb Dunnuck
There are two-second wines from this estate. The 2016 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon-based and sees 60% new French oak. It’s also deeply coloured, offers classic Pauillac aromatics, and possesses a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, backward vibe that’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age. 
(2/2019)
93 points James Suckling
Attractive, modern style with assorted, ripe summer berries, layered with upbeat, toasty oak. The palate is fresh and gently muscular tannins serve this wine well. Try from 2022. (2/2019)
91 points Decanter
This is closer to the signature of the grand vin than that of the Tourelles de Longueville as it comes from the soil with a higher gravel content. It represents 30% of production. Beautiful, rich dark purple in colour from a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot, a more classic interpretation of a Médoc second wine than Les Tourelles. This is gorgeous, with a sense of restraint behind the deep, plump fruit. 18 months in 60% new oak reinforces the silky tannins. I like this very much. (JA) (4/2017)
91 points Vinous
The 2016 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is quite powerful and dense. Ageing, and specifically, the barrel regime of 18 months in oak (60% new) has left 2016 with a heavy toast/torrefaction quality that at present overpowers the dark fruit and Cabernet aromatics the wine showed from the barrel. Frankly, I liked the 2016 more en primeur. (AG) (1/2019)
91 points Wine Spectator
This is fleshy and caressing in feel, letting warm plum sauce and cassis notes roll along, lined with pretty violet and anise accents. There's a light tug of earth through the gently toasty finish, but this is pretty much all fruit and is ready to go. Drink now through 2030. (JM) (3/2019)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2016 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron gives aromas of tar, sautéed herbs and earth over cassis and baked cherries core. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, finishing with a herbal lift. (NM) (11/2018)