98 Robert Parker
Revealing incredible quality and performing better than it did from barrel, the 2009 appears to be the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron since the 1990 and 1989. An amazing opaque blue/purple color is followed by scents of spring flowers, graphite, smoky charcoal, incense, blackberries, blueberries and hints of coffee and chocolate. Incredibly intense, pure and flawlessly constructed with extravagant layers of fruit and richness, this offering has developed beautifully under the management of Christian Seeley. It is a voluptuous, opulent Pichon Longueville Baron that may eclipse anything they have made in the past. This brilliant wine should be at its peak between 2018 and 2045.
19 Rene Gabriel
67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 % Merlot. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Parfümiertes, bereits sehr fruchtig wirkendes Bouquet, schwarze Kirschen, Cassis und ein Hauch Brombeergelee, feiner Kräuterhauch darin zeigend und auch etwas Melisse und Minze, wird immer wuchtiger mit Luftzutritt. Sublimer Gaumen mit viel Saft in den rundlichen, geschmeidigen Tanninen, gebündeltes Finale im langen Finale. Erinnert an die Primeurprobe vom Jahrgang 1990 mit direkteren Aromen und mehr Perfektion. Einmal direkt auf dem Weingut mit Jean-René Matignon degustiert und dann nochmals an dem Tasting der Union des Grands Crus.<br/><br/>warten (2017 - 2032)
96 Vinous
Saturated deep ruby-red. Pungent, brooding, very ripe aromas and flavors of cassis, blueberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, espresso and minerals, along with hints of spices and underbrush. Large-scaled, rich and deep, with superb chewy ripeness and terrific mineral lift. At once plush and powerful, boasting the texture of a first growth, with a near-perfect sugar/acid balance. The palate-staining finish features substantial ripe, chewy tannins and rising length. This should evolve gracefully in bottle for two or three decades.
95 Wine Spectator
This delivers a massive core of black Mission fig, black currant paste and roasted fig fruit, backed by alder wood, bay leaf, singed cedar and maduro tobacco. The finish lets a racy iron note take over. Long and authoritative, with gorgeous acidity giving the balance for long-term cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2030. 13,000 cases made. –JM