In the heart of the Médoc, the Château Pichon Baron de Longueville 2020

Blend and winemaking

This Pauillac is built around a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by a texture-giving Merlot rigorously selected parcel by parcel. Ripeness was managed precisely to reach fully-developed phenolic richness, ensuring dense, polished and perfectly integrated tannins. After meticulous sorting, the vinifications aim for pure fruit expression, aromatic brilliance and linearity, without artifice or excess. The ageing continues for around 18 months in barrels, with a high proportion of carefully chosen new oak, bringing subtle vanilla, gentle spice and a touch of cocoa without ever overwhelming the terroir’s expression. Lots are aged separately and then blended to achieve overall harmony, where the energy of Cabernet Sauvignon meets the flesh of Merlot. This artisanal discipline creates a creamy mouthfeel, precise architecture and a persistence that unfolds naturally.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Deep garnet with dark reflections, clear brilliance and visual concentration announcing ample, structured material.
• Nose: Intense and complex expression of blackcurrant, blackberry and black plum, lifted by blueberry, cedar, blond tobacco and a graphite line. Fine spice and violet accents intertwine with a hint of vanilla from oak, for a bouquet that is both aristocratic and precise.
• Palate: Full and straight attack, generous mid-palate, velvety texture and chiselled tannins. The structure supports dense, pure fruit perfectly balanced by a poised freshness. The very long finish stretches over black fruits, gentle pepper and an elegant oaky touch, leaving an impression of controlled power and harmony.

Serving temperature & recommendations

To fully reveal its complexity, serve this Pauillac between 16 and 18°C in large glasses. Decanting for around 2 hours is recommended in its early years to open the aromatic range and soften the tannic imprint. The 2020 shows a long ageing potential, with a prime drinking window starting from 2028 and extending over several decades depending on storage conditions. Store bottles on their side, at a stable temperature and away from light to preserve aromatic integrity and freshness.

Food pairings

• Starters: game pâté en croûte, pheasant terrine, beef carpaccio with Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings.
• Main courses: dry-aged rib of beef, roasted rack of lamb with thyme, spiced duck, hare à la royale, braised beef chuck with rich jus.
• Sides: confit baby potatoes, sautéed porcini, cardoon gratin, creamy polenta with aged comté.
• Cheeses: aged comté, extra-old mimolette, sheep's-milk tomme, farmhouse Saint-Nectaire.
• Bold dessert: high-cocoa chocolate dome, lightly sweetened, for a dialogue with noble bitterness.

Occasions to enjoy

Château Pichon Baron de Longueville 2020 is the ideal companion:

• For a gourmet dinner where precision and depth match exceptional dishes.
• To enrich a collector cellar with a Pauillac of stature, destined for long evolution.
• As a rare gift to offer a knowledgeable enthusiast, as a mark of esteem and good taste.

Characteristics

• Name: Château Pichon Baron de Longueville 2020
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Classification: 2nd Grand Cru Classé, 1855
• Type: Red wine
• Vintage: 2020
• Grape varieties: Majority Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot
• Ageing: around 18 months in barrels, high proportion of new oak
• Cellaring: long, progressive peak from 2028
• Serving temperature: 16 to 18°C