Pauillac 2020 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron

Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is one of Château Pichon Longueville Baron's second wines, and is made from the 2012 vintage. Its character is pure and straightforward. The grapes that make up this blend are primarily harvested from gravel plots near the mouth of the Gironde estuary, in an environment ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Powerful and fresh on the palate, this wine is full-bodied, clean, and full of energy. While it can age for 20 years or more, it can also be enjoyed young.

2020 began with a wet winter followed by a tropical spring. Early flowering was recorded, followed by a dry summer, but thunderstorms in mid-August relieved the heat and allowed the Merlot grapes to swell. Harvest began approximately 10 days earlier than usual, with Merlot and Cabernet grapes producing rich tannins and acidity and alcohol levels within normal ranges. The thunderstorm rains eliminated moisture deficits, promoting growth of the Merlot grapes but slowing the Cabernet grapes.