Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 1855 2ième Cru 2012

Real confirmation that these top Pauillacs take their first steps towards being ready to drink at the 10 year window in these ‘medium’ vintages – compared to 15 in the bigger vintages. This is just stretching its limbs, charming if a little short, showing aumtumnal hedgerow fruits, cracked pepper, cocoa bean, cappucinno. Has power and depth, and is extremely enjoyable. Where in a vertical of the estate it doesn’t stand out, in a horizontal across the vintage it really does. 70% new oak. Jean-Rene Matignon technical director.