Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 2015
Château Pichon Baron · Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
At a glance
- Producer
- Château Pichon Baron
- Region
- Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
- Grape variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (23%)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Bold
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $150-$250
Tasting profile
Notes of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite with hints of tobacco and earth; tannic grip prominent
Evolution: Over next 5-10 years will soften tannins, reveal secondary and tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and cigar box
At peak: Luxurious, rich black fruit, layered complexity, round texture, persistent finish
Structure
- Acidity
- Balanced and fresh, providing vibrancy
- Tannins
- Firm and well-structured with fine-grained texture
- Alcohol
- Approximately 13.5-14%
- Aging potential
- 30-40+ years due to classic Pauillac structure and vintage quality
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2028 to 2059
- Optimal window
- 2023 to 2062
- Current status
- Approaching optimal drinking window; youthful tannic structure still evolving
- Current condition
- Firm and structured with developing complexity; requires decanting for best enjoyment now
The 2015 vintage is a hallmark vintage in Bordeaux with ideal weather conditions, producing concentrated fruit and balanced structure. Château Pichon Baron is a 2nd Growth Pauillac estate with excellent terroir and meticulous winemaking focused on Cabernet Sauvignon dominance. The tannin profile and acidity strongly support prolonged aging, explaining the long drinking window and late peak plateau.
Food pairing
Pairs exquisitely with ribeye steak, roasted lamb, game meats like venison, aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan, and dishes with earthy mushroom sauces.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and open up complex aromas and flavors before drinking, especially if before peak age
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 7/10
Efficient water management, integrated pest management, partially gravity-fed vineyards to reduce energy, recyclable packaging
Château Pichon Baron is part of the Bordeaux sustainable viticulture movement, employing eco-friendly farming with reduced chemical inputs and energy use. While carbon emissions from global transport elevate footprint, ongoing initiatives to improve sustainability and use recyclable glass and materials help reduce overall impact.