Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Pichon-Longueville Baron is made up of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The Merlot was harvested September 24-25, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested October 3-10. The wine is to be aged 18 months in barriques, 80% new and 20% one year old, and production represents 50% of the harvest this year. Very deep purple-black colored, it begins a little coy, rolling slowly and languidly out of the glass with notions of baked raspberries, blueberry coulis, crème de cassis and incense plus nuances of lilacs, truffles, damp soil and garrigue with wafts of lavender and wild sage. Full-bodied, voluptuous and oh-so-seductive, the palate reveals layer upon layer of savory, earthy and black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully ripe, velvety tannins and lovely freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Beautiful.

James Suckling

Aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, ash and cedar with hints of conifer. Full-bodied, yet so tight and refined with polished, toned tannins that are creamy and compact with a silky texture. Energetic and driven. Try after 2026.

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

VertdeVin

The nose is fresh, racy, full of elegance and offers power (full of subtility), concentration (full of justness), a small aerial side in the approach, intensity and power (full of control). It reveals notes of Boysen berry, bright/ripe cassis and small notes of fresh wild strawberry associated with touches of blue plum, violet as well as hints of almond, toasted, a discreet hint of fresh mild tobacco, discreet hints of green cardamom, vanilla and an imperceptible hint of clove. The palate is fruity, fresh, elegant, mineral and offers a beautiful definition, gourmandize, a fine acidulous frame, tension (full of finesse), straightness (in finesse), power (full of elegance/control) and an aerial side (in the approach). On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy raspberry, fresh/juicy strawberry and small notes of fresh/pulpy cassis associated with touches of small wild fruits, violet, cornflower, gravels/racy minerality as well as hints of tonka bean, green cardamom and discreet hints of vanilla. Tannins are elegant, plentiful, precise, racy and full of elegance. A very discreet chew on the persistence. A beautiful grain of tannins on the finish/persistence.

Wine Enthusiast

This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very ageworthy. Drink from 2027.