# Château Pichon-Longueville Baron (2022)

- **Producer:** Château Pichon Baron
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €180
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, pencil lead, vanilla, cloves, smoke, tobacco, leather, earth

## About this wine

Château Pichon Baron is a distinguished Second Growth estate located in Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. The 2022 vintage represents a remarkable achievement, showcasing the estate's commitment to quality. Managed by AXA Millésimes and guided by Christian Seely, with Pierre Montégut as Technical Director, the estate leverages its historic terroir and meticulous viticulture. The 2022 growing season, marked by heat and dryness, was navigated through precise vineyard management, including sub-block harvesting, to yield a wine of power, elegance, and significant aging potential. This wine is a testament to the enduring legacy of Pauillac's Grand Cru Classé estates.

## Interesting facts

- The Grand Vin comes from the estate's oldest vines.
- Harvesting was done sub-block by sub-block for precision.
- 70% of the oak barrels used for aging were new.
- This wine is expected to age gracefully for over 50 years.

## Food pairing

The firm, velvety tannins in Château Pichon Baron are a perfect match for the proteins in rich dishes like lamb, beef, and venison, softening the tannins and enhancing the meat's flavor. The wine's full body and pronounced intensity can stand up to robust flavors and complex preparations, while its freshness provides a counterpoint to richness.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château Pichon Baron's 2022 vintage begins with a meticulous harvest, conducted from September 8th to October 3rd, utilizing a sub-block by sub-block picking strategy to ensure optimal grape selection. Fermentation occurs at cooler temperatures than typical for the vintage, a technique aimed at preserving aromatic purity and achieving balanced extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, with 70% of these being new. This aging period is crucial for developing complexity, softening tannins, and integrating the wine's structure, preparing it for its long life ahead.