Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Saturday night...time for steak and claret as my buddy Gary Westby says. In this scenario, I envisioned the wine being equal or even better than my steak. Not to toot my horn but most everyone that's had my steak simply says meaningfully that it is the best they've had. Myself, I've only had one better the Ribcap at Bourbon Steak in SF; which sadly closed as the hotel took back the space they were in. Hopefully, soon to reopen again elsewhere in SF. However, back to the Pichon Baron. I can't say I loved it. I wanted to love it as it is one of my favorite properties in Pauillac. The wine isn't bad but it just never shined. Maybe, it's just not a good moment in it's evolution to open. It's soft, elegant but missing the beauty, flavors and complexity I've come to expect. The fruits are dry blackberry, dark cherries, black raspberries, a touch of juicy strawberries and black plum skin. Dark dry powdery minerals, saddlewood, lead pencil savings, underbrush, dry dark earth, dry pebbles. There is not much on the mid palate, it finishes a little flat and the fruits never really shined. Surprising for such a warm vintage. Hoping it improves over the years as I've got 5 more. Unusual that the wine really needed the steak more than the steak needed the wine. — 9 years ago

Nikki Harding

9.3

Clean, crisp, best served chilled! — 12 years ago

Lisa Li

9.5

One of the best red i've had, well balanced with perfect complexity — 10 years ago

Francesca Filippini

9.4

Perfectly balanced, well integrated, and pairs best with good conversation. Even for an Italian, this Tempranillo gives any Nebbiolo a run for its money. — 10 years ago

Jeff Meyers

9.4

Impressive wine. Dense rich iodine quality. In my book the tannins are resolved but it may have a few years left in it. This is the best of California akin to Diamond Creek. — 11 years ago

Matt Young

10

As always, this is the best. 2011 and still my favorite. Hasn't changed. — 13 years ago

Christopher Suarez

9.3

This 2008 was cellared for almost five years after purchased in 2012. Consumed Nov 2015, the best way to describe this delight is that "it melts in your mouth". You do not even feel it as it goes down, the taste begins with its scents as soon as it hits your palate. Delightfully fruity with cherry, blackberry and jam. — 10 years ago

Abbi Kanthasamy

10

Figs. Graphite. Silky n smooth. Mature. It's the best red blend I've ever had. That was the 59. Can't wait to try the 61 — 11 years ago

Mark Osmers

9.5

Much more smokey than the 2007. One of the best reds worldwide — 11 years ago

Nataly Gamboa

9.7

This makes me a happy girl! One of my best friends. — 13 years ago