Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2016 is a bold, expressive Pauillac that channels the spirit of the Grand Vin with its deep, ripe fruit and firm structure. With a 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot blend, it shows blackberry, cherry, spice, and toasty oak, all wrapped in juicy, polished tannins. It’s approachable now with air, but its structure and balance make it a solid candidate for cellaring. A stylish second wine with real depth and energy.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Jan 19, 2019

Attractive, modern style with assorted, ripe summer berries, layered with upbeat, toasty oak. The palate is fresh and gently muscular tannins serve this wine well. Try from 2022.

Decanter | D 91
Published: Apr 3, 2017
Drink: 2027-2050

This is closer to the signature of the grand vin than that of the Tourelles de Longueville as it comes from soil with a higher gravel content. It represents 30% of production. Beautiful, rich dark purple in colour from a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot, a more classic interpretation of a Médoc second wine than Les Tourelles. This is gorgeous, with a sense of restraint behind the deep, plump fruit. 18 months in 60% new oak reinforces the silky tannins. I like this very much.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Grapes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon 48% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 88
Published: Nov 30, 2018
Drink: 2019-2029

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron gives aromas of tar, sautéed herbs and earth over a cassis and baked cherries core. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, finishing with an herbal lift.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Apr 5, 2017
Drink: 2026-2040

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot. 60% new oak. Production is 30% of Pichon Baron production. Meant for ageing.
Glossy, dark crimson – very dense. Rich and racy and much more subtlety than the Tourelles. Inky finish. Good energy.

Pichonbaron.com

Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is one of the second wines of the property. Created since the 2012 vintage, it has a pure and direct character.
The grapes which make up this wine's blend come primarily from gravelly plots of land near the Gironde estuary, a good environment for Cabernet-Sauvignon.
Les Griffons offers a vigorous and fresh tasting experience, full-bodied and clean, overflowing with energy.
It can be laid down in the cellar for over 20 years or enjoyed right away.

Vintage conditions
The 2016 vintage was marked by widely varying weather conditions with a cold, wet winter, a damp spring and a hot, dry summer. A long, splendid Indian summer helped the grapes reach excellent ripeness levels.
Flowering took place in excellent conditions. From mid-July, temperatures were close to seasonal averages. There was very little rain up until the veraison. These restrictive conditions favoured thickening of the skins and polyphenol concentration. Everything augured well for the harvest, with a reasonable yield, ideal weather, remarkable quality and no concerns with respect to the sanitary condition of the grapes. The balance between the polyphenols in the grapes resulted in powerful yet nicely-polished tannins, with plenty of personality. Stringent plot selection was carried out with the emphasis on slow extraction, tailored to each terroir. Temperatures were maintained at 27°C to 29°C. Maceration lasted between 19 and 27 days. Running off was completed at the end of November.

Harvest
The harvest for Les Griffons de Pichon Baron took place between 26th September and 18th October, with the Merlot grapes from 26th September to 10th October, and the Cabernet-Sauvignon from 15th to 18th October.

Tasting note
Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2016 has a dark, intense and almost opaque colour. The nose is enhanced by fresh dark fruit such as blackberry and cherry, followed by spices and lightly grilled notes of wood. The palate is fleshy, opulent and well balanced. The texture of the tannins is juicy and creamy. As a whole it is harmonious and distinguished.

Jean-René Matignon - Technical Director - May 2018
Bottling date: May 25th 2018

Blend: Cabernet sauvignon 52%, Merlot 48%

Ageing: 60 % in new barrels, 40 % from barrels of one vintage for 18 months.