2024 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron (Pauillac)

More intensity through the palate than the Tourelles, good quality with a fragrant grip and softly spoken black fruits. The fresh acidities of the year are evident, balanced by a floral wash and lift on the finish. No Petit Verdot in the blend this year, but excellent Cabernet Franc from a new plot. 3.62 pH, 50% new oak for ageing. Pierre Montegut technical director. 91 points

The 2024 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is redolent of blackberry, incense, licorice, scorched earth, tobacco and dried herbs. Cabernet Sauvignon takes the leading role in this serious second wine from Pichon Baron. This is the first vintage with Cabernet Franc but no Petit Verdot. Production is down a whopping 50%. 91-93 points

The 2024 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron was matured in 50% new oak for a planned 15 months. There is certainly an increase in fruit concentration compared to the preceding Les Tourelles de Longueville, with veins of blue fruit infusing the black fruit and hints of pressed violet, while that marine leitmotif continues. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, linear and graphite-tinged, with a quite sapid finish. Plenty of freshness, if not quite the complexity of the greatest vintages in recent years. This should provide 12 to 15 years of drinking pleasure. 90-92 points