Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron in Pauillac is one of the most stunning estates in Bordeaux. It is currently owned by the insurance company AXA Millésimes. We had a gorgeous wine lunch at Château Pichon-Longueville-Baron. This was preceeded by a vineyard and winery tour and a tasting.
During the tour, we were welcomed by Jean-Rene Matignon, Technical Director. Since 1987, Jean-Rene Matignon has worked at Pichon Baron as Technical Director.
Château Pichon Longueville Baron
Château Pichon Longueville Baron (often referred to as Pichon Baron) in Pauillac is one of 15 Deuxièmes Crus in the Classification of 1855. It was once part of a larger estate, owned by Pierre de Rauzan, along with Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. In 1850 the estate was divided into the two current Pichon estates facing each other as one enters Pauillac along the D2 highway.
Château Pichon-Baron stayed in the de Pichon-Longueville family until 1933 when the last surviving family member sold it to Jean Bouteiller, member of a family well-known in the Bordeaux wine scene. His heirs did not manage to keep the quality of the wines and in 1987 the estate was bought by AXA Millésimes. With the new owner, reconstruction of the fermenting room and cellars, and renovation of the château itself, began in 1988.
Excellent terroir across from the 1st growth Latour property, stretching south bordering the Léoville estates in Saint-Julien gives the wines elegance, balance, and finesse. Château Pichon Baron's 73 hectares are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The average age of the vines is 30 years.
Grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, and then macerated for 20-30 days, and fermented at 28-32 °C in temperature controlled stainless steel vats of varying sizes. The wine is transferred into oak barrels for aging after finishing its malolactic fermentation.
The estate also produces a second wine, Les Tourelles de Longueville.
The property is currently managed by Christian Seely.
The AXA Wine Portfolio
Château Pichon Baron, 2nd Cru Classé Pauillac, France
Château Suduiraut, 1er Cru Classé Sauternes, France
Château Petit-Village, Pomerol, France
Château Pibran, Pauillac, France
Domaine de l’Arlot, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France
Domaine Disznókö, Tokaj, Hongrie
Quinta do Noval, Douro, Portugal
AXA also owns one of the larger Bordeaux wine negociant companies, Compagnie Medocaine.
Tasting
2010 Les Tourelles de Longueville
2010 Château Pichon Longueville-Baron
2005 Château Pichon Longueville-Baron
Champagne Reception
We started off with a Champagne reception in the private rooms ofChâteau Pichon-Longueville-Baron.
Lunch
We than proceed for lunch to the dining room.Thibaut Servas was our Chef who prepared for us a wonderful lunch.
The Wines that were Poured
NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose, Champagne
2002 Château Pichon Longueville-Baron
2004 Château Pichon Longueville-Baron
2013 Château Suduiraut, Premier Cru Classé in 1855, Sauternes
NV Quinta do Noval Douro Tawny Port 20 Years Old
Bye-bye
Thanks to all involved, including Jean-Rene Matignon for everything. It was wonderful.
