Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Pauillac 2019 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The estate’s flagship wine is produced directly across from Château Latour, on perfectly drained gravel soils that benefit from the microclimate of the Gironde riverbanks. Pichon possesses the vigor and power of the greatest Médoc wines, in a very pure style lovingly overseen by Jean-René Matignon, one of the most experienced technical directors in the Bordeaux region. All recent vintages are remarkable, sharing the same classic character derived from the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and the mineral and graphite notes of the terroir. The second wine, Tourelles, has improved significantly, but the real novelty is the introduction of another wine, Griffons, in 2012, made from young vines in prime terroirs, and highly successful.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

The original vineyard was established in the 17th century by Jacques de Pichon, Baron de Longueville. Divided in two in 1850, part of the estate went to Raoul de Pichon-Longueville (the other part becoming Pichon Comtesse), who had the current château built there. Inspired by the château at Azay-le-Rideau, the building contrasts with the horizontal lines of the winery built after the estate was purchased in 1987 by Axa Millésimes. The insurer undertook major renovation work there, led by Jean-Michel Cazes, then by Christian Seely, with Jean-René Matignon overseeing technical management. Since 2001, the selection policy has been intensified: only 40 hectares of the 73 that make up this exceptional terroir—composed of fine Garonne gravel and located 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 estate:

This magnificent Second Growth has produced a series of truly stunning wines and has established itself at the very top of the Médoc hierarchy. Impossible to miss from the Château Route, the sumptuous estate of "Pichon Baron" has been completely renovated from top to bottom in less than two decades, and the team led by Christian Seely is doing exemplary work that has propelled Pichon Baron to the pinnacle of Médoc wines. The winemaking facilities and aging cellar, along with the vineyard—which has been extensively replanted—have enabled the estate to achieve a historic level of quality in recent vintages. Note that the second wine is now called Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, as Les Tourelles has become a separate brand with its own independent vineyard.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This is Pichon Baron’s second wine. Its lush richness echoes the estate’s first wine, with its structure and powerful fruit. However, its texture has a lightness that allows it to age relatively quickly. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.

Vinous

About the wine:

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

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Griffon reveals its true character through notes of graphite, black berries, and licorice. Smooth on the palate, it is elegant and already very approachable, while possessing firm, promising tannins. What a wonderful introduction to the great wines of this magnificent estate. 2023–2033

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

A beautiful deep purple color. The nose is highly aromatic, refined, fruity, and subtle. Delicate on the palate at first, it develops a very fine, full-bodied texture, with intense aromas at the mid-palate; the wine gains depth between the mid-palate and the finish, with a hint of bloodiness in its overall character. The wine finishes without a trace of tannin. A beautiful, finely textured finish.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, flowers, espresso, rainforest leaves, and a cigar box are readily apparent on the nose. In the classic Pauillac style, the wine is fresh, vibrant, delicate, chewy, and slightly reserved. It finishes with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, espresso, spices, and cocoa, with a hint of dark chocolate and savory herbs on the finish. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2040.