Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 1855 2ième Cru 2002

Inky purple in colour, holding its shape and form right through to the core of the wine, and plenty of Pauillac character to the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant nose. Touch of smoked caramel, cassis and bilberry, the fruit is less nuanced than with the 2001 or the 2000, but this is packed with slate-textured tannins and juicy minerality on the finish. Woodsmoke and ash curl out of the glass as it opens. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.