CHATEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON

Commonly referred to as Pichon Baron, this property began life as part of the same estate as Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, but was split apart in 1850 when the then owner, 90-year-old Baron Joseph de Pichon-Longueville died and bequeathed the property equally between his five children, the women receiving Pichon Lalande and the men what would become Pichon Baron.

It remained in family hands right through to 1933, but following a difficult period through the 1960s and 70s, it was purchased by the AXA insurance group who, with the resources at their disposal, immediately began to turn things around, producing stunning 1989 and 1990 vintages.

The wines have continued to improve to the point where they are now some of the most sought-after in Bordeaux. The hallmarks are a supremely rich spiciness and highly concentrated, tannic fruit that retains its elegance for decades. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot are planted across the 40-hectare deep gravel vineyard, with some vines planted back in the 1930s.