Decanter 96 / 100

There's no question that we are in Pauillac with this wine: it's a deep, dark purple in colour and a little more reserved on the nose than some, with more of that pencil-lead and slate character. The texture is almost as important as the flavour, and it shows its quality. This is all cassis, wet stone and loganberry, and conveys heft rather than sinew. It tightens through the mid-palate to the point that it contracts - a serious wine. Matured in 80% new oak. Drinking Window 2026 - 2042

Hachette 2 / 3 James Suckling 99 / 100

The concentration and largesse of the 2016 Pichon Baron is apparent from the get-go with incredibly alluring, ripe and expansive fruit aromas in the blackberry, dark-cherry, mulberry and plum zone. Espresso and cedar, as well as a slate-like, stony mineral edge add complexity. The palate has incredible depth, drive and detail. Fine and plush tannins stretch the palate in every direction. So fresh and vivacious, this is the greatest Pichon Baron since 1989 and has a long future. Try from 2024.

Jancis Robinson 18.5 / 20

Very deep healthy crimson. Really very luscious and gorgeous on the nose. A winning formula here, clearly – for the mid term anyway. Really gorgeous polished tannins and ripe fruit. What the heck is not to like?! Sweetness, inkiness and sufficient tannin. Clean, refreshing finish.

Le Figaro 19 / 20

Nez de fruits noirs, de cerise. Bouche ample, gourmande, fins tannins très élégants, pointe graphite, très long.

Parker 97 / 100

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Pichon-Longueville Baron offers a suave and seductive nose of warm red and black currants, black plum preserves, truffles, tapenade and rose hip tea with touches of sandalwood and Chinese five spice plus a waft of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, firmly structured and packed with mineral and exotic spice-laced black fruits, it finishes very long with compelling herbal sparks.

RVF 18.5 - 19.0 / 20 Vinous (N. Martin) 96 / 100 Wine Spectator 96 / 100

This gushes with dark fig and black currant compote flavors backed by lively sweet tobacco and singed alder edges. Very fleshy in feel, though there's ample grip to keep this red grounded, echoing with tar and humus accents through the finish. A thumper. Best from 2025 through 2040. 13,500 cases made. — JM

Appellation	Pauillac
Classement	2nd Grand Cru Classé en 1855
Superficie	73 ha
Encépagement	Cabernet Sauvignon 62% - Merlot 35% - Cabernet Franc 3%
Age moyen des vignes	35 ans
Sols et sous-sol	Gros galets et sables typiques de l’appellation
Elevage	Barriques neuves à 80% durant 15 à 18 mois