Château Pichon BaronPauillac 2016

Current owner AXA Millésimes purchased this estate in 1987, nearly 300 years after its founding in 1694. Under the direction of AXA Millésimes managing director Christian Seely, the company appointed Jean-René Matignon as technical director and promptly began a complete reconstruction of the fermenting room and cellar with the goal of modernizing the estate. Of the 180 acres under vine, grapes from the Butte de Pichon Baron, an 86-acre plot that was in use when the estate was founded, make up most of the final blend.

Tasting Note

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.—James Molesworth