2019 Chateau Pichon Longueville Baron Pauillac 750 ml

Bordeaux’s 2019 vintage was spectacular: Former Wine Advocate boss Lisa Perrotti-Brown wrote, “I knew this vintage was exceptional from the moment I started tasting.”

That season produced many outstanding wines, but very few on Bordeaux’s Left Bank hit the 100-point pinnacle. Most that did will cost you dearly—which is why the absolutely stunning Second Growth Pichon-Baron is such a great buy, standing with $800+ wines from Ch. Margaux and Lafite.

Pauillac’s Château Pichon Longueville Baron is “clearly one of contemporary Bordeaux's greatest wines,” according to the Wine Advocate.

The estate, better known simply as Pichon Baron, borders Château Latour and offers the intensity, ageworthiness, and complexity that have made this corner of Bordeaux famous. Their 2019 is doubtless one of the best ever from the estate.

Pichon Baron’s coveted terroir and name dates back to the legendary estate of Jacques de Pichon Longueville. The first President of Bordeaux’s Parliament, he received the property next to Château Latour as a dowry. It split into two upon his death in 1850, resulting in the twin Super Seconds of Pichon Baron and Lalande. 

Ever since, Pichon Baron has been considered one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, notable for how it echoes neighboring Latour’s dark fruited, iron-structured power and remarkable ageability. For example, the 1989—now over 30 years old—is absolutely singing right now, and vintages from the mid- to late-90s are just hitting their stride. Made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot, the 2019 was aged in 80% new French oak. 

We recommend that you cellar this wine for a decade or two for maximum enjoyment, but if you drink it young make sure to give it two hours—or even more—in a decanter. Either way, you’ll be partaking in one of the finest wines made in Bordeaux’s fantastic 2019 season.