All roads lead to... Pauillac. (Part 2: Château Pichon Baron)


Château Pichon Baron

Bordeaux's Château Pichon Baron is magnificent. Drive past its famous château (no longer a private residence) and you’ll see many a wine tourist taking photos of it from the road. Originally classified as one of the 15 prestigious second growths in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, the estate is now owned by French insurance company AXA, which has invested significantly in modernizing its facilities.

Château Pichon Baron

Château Pichon Baron

Although I did join the tourists taking selfies from the road, I was also offered a private tour of the spectacular property. It’s a beautifully-designed estate, with a definite eye to the future. Much of the winemaking actually takes place underneath the famous pond and lawn in front of the château. (And yes, there are portholes!)

The library at Château Pichon Baron

Their library collection is astounding, with bottles dating back to the late-1800s. Oh, to be that time traveler given the opportunity to taste the past…

The library at Château Pichon Baron


I’ve always enjoyed their wines, and tasting through their 2012 portfolio on the property was a treat. While the first label will, no doubt, age many more decades (and definitely needs a few more years in the bottle), I already found it highly approachable, with subtle floral high notes on the nose, chewy tannins and a rich cocoa finish.



If you can’t get a tour of the property, definitely pull over from the main road to admire the property. Then, visit the nearby Pauillac waterfront with its charming seafood restaurants and well-stocked tasting rooms. Cheers!

Obligatory selfie: LAWineGal was here!

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