Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Pauillac 2014

Description

The 2014 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is dark, voluptuous and immediate. A burst of sweet red plums, smoke, graphite, licorice and tobacco hits the palate. The tannins are sweet but also energetic. Extroverted in style, the 2014 also has enough depth and overall density to drink well for another decade or so. Rose petal, iron and white pepper add the final shades of nuance. Here in its first vintage, Les Griffons is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.

The equivalent of an alternative second wine from Château Pichon Baron (with Les Tourelles), Les Griffons is named after the statues of griffins that are in the chateau's courtyard. This is a structured wine, firmly tannic while already showing plenty of black currant fruitiness. Equal measures of Merlot and Cabernet balance the wine and give depth of flavor. 

Award and rating

90-92pt - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 2014 comes from terroir that is close to the Grand Vin in style, composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot that is aged in 60% new oak. It has a pretty "bud" of a nose: violets and cassis infused with cedar, nicely defined and actually quite sensual. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin and purity. This is clearly superior to their alternative second wine, Les Tourelles. This is well worth seeking out as it should represent good value.