Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 1855 2ième Cru 2005

A fine tannic frame, blackberry and cassis fruits, hints of cigar, rosebud and tobacco leaf. You will be able to find more generous examples of the 2005 vintage in Pauillac appellation right now, as there remains some austerity to the tannins through the mid palate, but this is a vintage that has proved stubborn over the past 15 years, and is only just starting to come into its own – I would suggest giving this another few years and then checking back in. 80% new oak. Watch out for bottle variation – a second bottle we opened showed more nuance and generosity. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.