Château Pichon Longueville Baron

History of Château Pichon Longueville Baron

The history of Château Pichon Longueville Baron dates back to the late 17th century, with the purchase in 1689 of vines by Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan, a prominent wine merchant. In 1694, his daughter Thérèse married Jacques Pichon de Longueville, marking the birth of what would become one of the most renowned estates in Pauillac. The estate would remain in the family for several generations, gradually building its reputation.

A decisive turning point came in 1850, when the property was divided among the descendants of the family. Baron Raoul Pichon de Longueville inherited a portion that would become Château Pichon Baron, while his three sisters would give rise to Château Pichon Comtesse. In 1851, Raoul had the majestic château built that still stands today at the heart of the vineyard, a symbol of the architectural Romanticism of the Renaissance.

Crowned 2nd Grand Cru Classé at the Universal Exhibition of 1855, Château Pichon Longueville Baron distinguishes itself through the consistent quality of its wines. However, financial difficulties led the family to sell the property in 1933 to the Bouteiller family, who managed the estate for more than fifty years. In 1987, AXA Millésimes acquired the estate with the ambition of restoring its historic greatness. Extensive modernisation works were undertaken, and the estate quickly regained its status as a benchmark among the Grand Crus of Pauillac.

Robert Parker awarded 98/100 to the 1990 vintage of Château Pichon Longueville Baron, and scores of 97/100 to the 2019, 2000, 1989, 2020, 2015, 2016 and 2018 vintages, illustrating the remarkable and consistent quality of this estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Château Pichon Longueville Baron extends over 73 hectares on the left bank, of which 40 hectares are dedicated to the production of the Grand Vin. The estate's terroir, composed primarily of gravelly soils over an alios subsoil, benefits from exceptional natural drainage and a favourable microclimate thanks to the proximity of the Gironde estuary. These ideal conditions allow for the production of wines of great finesse and exceptional longevity.

The estate's grape variety composition consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of the Médoc, provides structure and ageing potential to the wines, while Merlot, present in a higher proportion in certain cuvées such as Les Tourelles de Longueville, lends roundness and suppleness. The old vines, some dating back to 1943, ensure optimal concentration of aromas and exceptional grape quality.

Vineyard management is based on traditional farming practices, with meticulous work throughout the year to preserve and enhance the terroir's potential. Each plot receives special attention, and harvests are carried out by hand to select only the finest grapes. The estate is also a pioneer in environmental protection, having been the first in the Bordeaux region to receive certification for its ecological practices in 2000.

Winemaking at Château Pichon Longueville Baron

The winemaking process at Château Pichon Longueville Baron combines tradition and modernity. The carefully sorted grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats of various sizes, tailored to each plot of the vineyard for precise, plot-by-plot vinification. Since 2022, amphorae have been used for the vinification of Petit Verdot, adding an additional dimension to the ageing of the wines.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat, after which the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months. On average, 80% of the barrels are new, giving the estate's wines a harmonious oaky structure that blends with the aromas of dark fruits, tobacco and spices. The precision of the cellar work yields wines of great aromatic complexity, with a perfect balance between power and elegance.

Château Pichon Longueville Baron remains at the forefront of innovation by using cutting-edge techniques such as satellite imaging to monitor the development of its vines, thereby ensuring optimal vineyard management and consistent wine quality.

The Cuvées of Château Pichon Longueville Baron

The Pichon Longueville Baron estate offers three main cuvées that reflect the full diversity of its terroir and expertise.

Château Pichon Longueville Baron (Grand Vin): Produced from the estate's oldest vines, this Pauillac 2nd Grand Cru Classé stands out for its exceptional concentration and aromatic complexity. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it reveals intense aromas of dark fruits, cedar and tobacco, with spicy notes that enhance a tannic structure of great finesse. As it ages, it develops nuances of blackcurrant, damp earth and cedar, offering an incomparable sensory experience. This wine possesses a remarkable ageing capacity, capable of improving over several decades.

Les Griffons de Pichon Baron: Created from the 2012 vintage, this cuvée is the estate's second wine. Composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Les Griffons reflects a pure and straightforward character, with a freshness and energy that make it a true expression of the power of the Pauillac terroir. The gravelly plots close to the Gironde estuary lend this wine a fine structure and a long finish.

Les Tourelles de Longueville: This second wine, created in 1986, takes its name from the château's iconic turrets. It is predominantly composed of Merlot, which gives it a rounder, more indulgent style. With silky tannins and an enveloping finish, Les Tourelles de Longueville stands out for its charm and softness, offering a thoroughly voluptuous experience.

Pauillac, one of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, is among the great wines of Bordeaux, with remarkable vintages that have made history. Among the finest vintages are those of 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1990, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. The years 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005 also stand out for their richness and power. More recently, the vintages 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have confirmed the exceptional potential of Pauillac, offering wines that are both elegant and powerful, perfect for long ageing.

The 1855 Second Classified Growths represent a prestigious category, bringing together iconic estates that often rival the first growths in quality. Among them, discover Château Brane-Cantenac and Château Durfort-Vivens, both located in Margaux, as well as Château Lascombes, Château Rauzan-Ségla and Château Rauzan-Gassies. In Saint-Julien, enthusiasts will appreciate the wines of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Gruaud Larose, and the celebrated Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Léoville Barton. Do not miss Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe, as well as the unmissable Château Pichon Longueville Baron and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac. 

Château Pichon Longueville Baron embodies the excellence of the Grand Crus Classés of Pauillac. Thanks to a unique terroir, carefully cultivated vines and centuries-old expertise, the estate produces wines of exceptional quality, renowned for their elegance, power and complexity. Whether through its Grand Vin or its second wines, Château Pichon Baron offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of great Bordeaux. Investing in a wine from Pichon Baron means securing the pleasure of savouring a work of art from the Médoc, capable of transcending the decades while continuing to improve.