Les Griffons de Pichon Baron global launch

Château Pichon Baron (Pauillac 2nd Cru Classé) has announced the world-wide launch of its latest second wine: Les Griffons de Pichon Baron.

With a distinctive personality of its own, Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is the result of the fine-tuned selection practices that have been implemented on the estate for the past 10 years. Particularly during harvest, this takes place to preserve only the best quality grapes from Pichon Baron’s famous deep gravel terroir, which is planted with vines of an average age of 30 to 35 years.

Certain batches from specific plots are used to create the Grand Vin while others - of very similar composition - are selected for Les Griffons. Both these wines are vinified with the same care and attention to detail, and are matured side by side, up to 60% in new barrels, for 18 months.

Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is a wine of great depth and precision with a superb pure expression of fruit. Close to the classic Pichon Baron Grand Vin in spirit, it is delicate and elegant in style while retaining the intrinsic characteristics of the terroir.

Meanwhile, to complete the trio of wines from this highly respected property, Les Tourelles de Longueville, created in 1986, continues to be made from just one specific plot in the Pichon Baron vineyard – named Sainte-Anne, and planted in the main with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  

Christian Seely, MD of AXA Millésimes, owner of Château Pichon Baron since 1987, explains: “Crafting a great wine - one of the world’s finest - requires an uncompromisingly high standard of work on the harvested grapes. Creating another second wine was a natural step for us in pursuing our policy of strict selection to define Pichon Baron’s special terroir. Les Griffons de Pichon Baron, a wine which clearly resembles its elders yet with its own distinct character, is the result of this forward-thinking practice.”

The first vintage of Les Griffons de Pichon Baron was in 2012. A perfect balance between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this spirited ‘younger brother’ of Château Pichon Baron provides a vigorous and fresh tasting experience, full-bodied and clean, overflowing with energy.  It can be cellared for 20 years or more, but is ready to enjoy after three to five years.

36,000 bottles have been produced for this launch. Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is sold on the Bordeaux market place. Price including tax: around €50.

20 October 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor