94-96pts Jeb Dunnuck
A solid step up over the Les Tourelles, the 2022 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is also Merlot-dominated and checks in as 50% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot that will spend 18 months in 40% new French oak. Gorgeously pure cassis, smoked earth, graphite, tobacco, and crushed stone define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a layer, concentrated mid-palate, fine tannins, and a great finish. The purity and precision here are truly something.
93-95pts Vinous
The 2022 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron represents 22% of the production and is matured in 40% new oak. It has a very focused bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, crushed violet and a light marine influence. The palate is medium bodied with sculpted tannins, very tensile, intense yet weightless toward the long graphite-infused finish. This is just superb.
92-93pts James Suckling
Refined and pretty aromas and flavors of currants and blackberries on both the nose and palate. Medium body. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. 50% merlot, 46% cabernet sauvignon and 4% petit verdot.
90-92pts Wine Advocate
The 2022 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is the more serious of the estate's two second wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Merlot dominating the blend. Revealing aromas of dark berries, cherries, spices and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with powdery tannins and a more structured profile than Les Tourelles.
92pts Jane Anson
For me this is the one to pick in 2022 from the 2nd wines of Pichon Baron, deep ruby red in colour, a core of intense tannins, crunchy cassis and bilberry fruit, strictly Pauillac with a powerful intense character that is easy to love. Excellent quality, brooding with a ton of spice. 40% new oak. First full year with Pierre Montegnut as technical director, plus first year with new tanks, and sorting facilities, including the abiliity for cold maceration for every plot.
