CHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON
Château Pichon Longueville Baron, commonly known as Château Pichon Baron, is one of the great estates of Pauillac on Bordeaux's Left Bank. Classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the château is renowned for producing powerful, precise and exceptionally age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines with unmistakable Pauillac character.
The estate's history dates to the former Pichon Longueville property, established during the 17th century. Following the division of the original estate in the 19th century, two celebrated properties emerged: Château Pichon Longueville Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The Baron's estate became particularly recognisable for its magnificent château with distinctive twin turrets, today one of the iconic landmarks of the Médoc.
Since 1987, Château Pichon Longueville Baron has been owned by AXA Millésimes, which has undertaken extensive investment in the vineyards, winery and cellars. This commitment to precision and rigorous selection has reinforced Pichon Baron's reputation as one of the leading Second Growth estates of modern Bordeaux.
The vineyards occupy an exceptional position in southern Pauillac, close to the Gironde estuary and neighbouring some of the appellation's most prestigious properties. Deep Garonne gravel soils provide excellent drainage and encourage extensive root systems, creating ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The estuary moderates temperature extremes and helps support slow, even ripening.
Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of Château Pichon Longueville Baron, complemented principally by Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes cassis, graphite, structure and longevity, while Merlot adds richness, roundness and supple texture. Rigorous selection ensures that only the finest vineyard parcels contribute to the grand vin.
The wine typically displays layers of blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry and dark plum, accompanied by violet, graphite, cedar, tobacco, pencil shavings and savoury spice. The palate is concentrated and structured, with finely polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Although impressive in its youth, great vintages possess the balance and depth required to develop beautifully over several decades.
Viticulture and winemaking are conducted parcel by parcel, allowing the estate to capture the individual characteristics of its vineyards. Following fermentation and blending, the grand vin is matured in carefully selected French oak barrels, adding complexity and refinement while preserving its distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon-driven personality.
The estate also produces Les Griffons de Pichon Baron and Les Tourelles de Longueville. These wines provide different expressions of the estate's terroir, with Les Griffons generally displaying a more Cabernet-driven profile and Les Tourelles highlighting the softer, more generous character of Merlot.
For collectors of classic Bordeaux, Château Pichon Longueville Baron represents a benchmark expression of Pauillac. Its Second Growth status, exceptional gravel terroir and reputation for longevity place it among the most desirable Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines of the Médoc.
Shop Château Pichon Longueville Baron wines online at Wine More Cellars Australia. Discover Second Growth Pauillac, Cabernet Sauvignon and collectible Bordeaux with Australia-wide shipping.
