A Legacy of Excellence
Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan was an influential wine steward of Latour and Margaux in the 17th century. In 1689, he purchased a large plot of vines next to Latour as a dowry for when his daughter, Thérèse, married Baron Jacques Pichon de Longueville, the first elected president of Bordeaux parliament. The two wed in 1694 and an illustrious estate, with an enduring reputation, was born.
Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville took over management of Pichon Baron in the 18th century when he was only 19 years old, and in 1850, on the eve of his death at 90 years old, the property was divided equally amongst his five children. His two sons received two-fifths of the vineyards and cellars, creating Pichon-Longueville Baron, and his three daughters received three-fifths to create Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Laland, commonly referred to as Pichon Lalande or Pichon Comtesse.
In 1855, Napoleon III, emperor of France, hosted a Universal Exposition in Paris and wanted all the country's wines represented. He invited Bordeaux's Chamber of Commerce to arrange an exhibit and 58 châteaux were chosen and ranked from fifth-growth up to first-growth. Both Pichon-Longueville Baron and Pichon Comtesse were given the second-highest classification, Deuxième (doozee-em) Crus.
In 1987, AXA Millésimes, a subsidiary of the French insurance group AXA, purchased Pichon Baron and began a comprehensive reconstruction. The fermenting room and cellar were modernized, a majestic reflective pool was added to the courtyard which conceals an underground cellar, and lavish turrets were built to embellish the château.
Château Pichon Baron 2014 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot $379.99 per bottle
Château Pichon Baron shows great elegance, intensity and exceptional length on the palate. It is a wine that improves year after year and can age for over 40 years in the cellar.
The 2014 vintage offers a deep, intense purple colour, almost black. The nose is highly expressive and yields a huge aromatic range - black fruits, blueberry, spices - and combines elegance with subtlety. On the palate, the wine offers finely integrated oak and is straight, precise and fleshy. The tannins are backed up by nicely mature, flavoursome fruit notes. The finish is distinctive, complex and neat. Overall this is a full, intense tasting experience.
Les Tourelles de Longueville 2015 65% Merlot 20% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc 5% Petit Verdot 148 bottles available $94.99 per bottle
A very strict selection of old vines from the Sainte Anne plot is designated to making Les Tourelles de Longueville, Pichon Baron's Merlot-based wine. This unique terroir gives a memorable and distinctive personality.
This vintage is full of charm and grace, suave and precise with a pleasing discreetness. The nose is marked by redcurrant, black cherry, wild strawberry and mild spices. The attack is fresh, elegant and subtle. The structure unfolds and grows in power. The finish is harmonious, full and well-balanced. Potential to age for 10-20 years.