This Pauillac estate was originally founded in the 17th Century. Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville managed the property until 1850 when he divided the estate between his five children. His two sons received two-fifths of the vineyards and winemaking facility which became Chateau Pichon Baron. His three daughters received the remaining vineyards which later became Chateau. Pichon Lalande. In 1987 the estate was purchased by AXA Millésimes and Christian Seely has been managing director of the estate since 2001.

(Wine sampled from tubes) This sophisticated cuvee´ from Pauillac is 76 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, aged for 18 months in French Oak. Opaque purple hue with a bouquet of purple violets and rose petals. There are loads of dark crème de cassis, chocolate covered Morello cherries, graphite, earth, and crushed stones. This powerful effort has some underbrush and notes of cedar box that are all wrapped with ripe, finely grained tannins. Christian Seelly and his winemaking team continue to excel and take this property to a new level.

By W. Peter Hoyne