Château Pichon Baron 2021 received very strong professional reviews despite 2021 being a challenging Bordeaux vintage. Critics generally view it as a classic, Cabernet-driven Pauillac with elegance, freshness, and long aging potential rather than the sheer power of vintages like 2018–2020.
Professional ratings (2021 vintage)
| Critic / Publication |
Score |
Notes |
| Vinous — Antonio Galloni |
96 pts (bottle review; earlier 95–97 en primeur) |
Praised for graphite, leather, spice, mocha, dried herbs, power, precision, and classicism. |
| Wine Advocate — William Kelley |
95 pts (earlier 94–96+/100) |
Highlighted cassis, berries, violets, cigar wrapper, refined structure, concentration, and a “classy profile.” |
| Wine Enthusiast |
96 pts |
Described as rich in black currant fruit, tannic structure, acidity, and strong aging potential. |
| James Suckling |
96–97 pts |
Noted blackcurrant, blueberry, violet, spice, graphite, ink, precision, and structure. |
| Decanter |
95 pts |
Praised its purity, fine tannins, Cabernet character, mineral freshness, and classic style. |
| Jane Anson |
94 pts |
Emphasized savory Cabernet fruit, fennel, rosemary, pencil lead, and structured tannins. |
| Neal Martin (Vinous) |
93 pts |
Found it elegant and “athletic,” with floral notes, graphite, fine tannins, and a lighter, more nimble profile. |
Overall critic consensus
- Style: Classic Pauillac — cassis, blackberry, violet, graphite, cedar/pencil lead, tobacco, spice.
- Structure: Medium-to-full body, firm but polished tannins, strong acidity, and excellent balance.
- Blend: Approximately 88–89% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot (depending on source reporting).
- Drinking window: Many critics suggest beginning around 2027–2028, with development well into the 2040s–2050s for properly stored bottles.
Bottom line
Consensus score: ~95–96/100. The 2021 Pichon Baron is not a blockbuster-style powerhouse like the great 2018 or 2020 vintages, but critics see it as a highly successful classic Bordeaux: refined, ageworthy, and especially appealing to lovers of traditional Pauillac elegance.
For collectors, it is likely best approached as a long-term cellaring wine, with a peak drinking period roughly 2030–2050
James Suckling 95 Points
Black currant, violet, lemon blossom and black berry aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and tobacco, black fruit and cedar undertones. It’s tight and chewy, suggesting it needs some bottle age. Some iodine. Oyster shell. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon. Give this four to five years. Try after 2027.
95 Points Wine Enthusiast
The wine has smoky aromas, is rich in tannin and packed with black currants. It is ripe and full of acidity that gives a juicy character. This is a great wine, its full structure promising great aging potential. Drink the wine from 2028.
