1985 CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE BARON 1985

(09-1998) Sweet with rich fruit; soft, a rather hefty '85, though well balanced. Delicious.

(08-2022) Magnum. Looks more evolved than the Las Cases 1982. This was from which era? Not probably at the estate’s peak. Smooth and supple and at a lovely point in its evolution. The alcohol is just a little obvious on the end. This won’t last as long as the Las Cases but it’s tasting beautifully now. Long and mellifluous. Perhaps the magnum size helps the showing of this wine…? Such a beautiful finish.

(01-2022) Dark fruity, complex, with lots of minerality, smoke, tar, herbs, mint, eucalyptus, smoke, wow, a profound nose this is. The palate is compact, top structured, a monument of a wine, lots of pressure yet highly elegant, finest tannins, juicy fruit, sensational acid structure, lots of length. Huge potential. I look forward to a duel Comtesse vs. Baron in 2050 - if I am still alive then. 

(09-2022) The nose is aromatic and offers power/force in delicacy, mastery, depth as well as a certain intensity in finesse/ripeness. There are notes of liquorice, fresh violet and more slightly graphite combined with delicate mineral touches, fine points of black tea, sap as well as a subtle hint of spice, Sichuan pepper, a discreet touch of saffron, cardamom and an imperceptible hint of clove/incense. The palate is fruity and offers accuracy, minerality, good definition, a mineral backbone, some well-managed richness, a very discreetly tight material, precision, neatness and a fine airy side in the approach. Richness/power with delicacy and control. On the palate this wine expresses notes of creamy raspberry, fleshy strawberry and more slightly blueberry combined with touches of liquorice, crushed blackcurrant, fine hints of cocoa bean, sweet blond tobacco, a subtle hint of vanilla cream as well as a very discreet hint of saffron (in the background) and sweet spices. A nice and fine salinity at the end of the mouth. Some mellowness at on the finish. Nice persistence.

(09-2021) Very reserved aromatic expression; strong in the base, extremely dense, of particular depth, superb tannin with polish, well-balanced fire; particularly stylish: there is no better way to express vintage and typicality.

(05-2021) Intense ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. Ripe dark cherry fruit underlaid with sweet spices, hints of cassis and liquorice, a touch of nougat and vanilla, fine notes of fine oak; a very inviting bouquet. Juicy, fine red wild berries, also blueberries, fresh, beautifully structured, silky, supporting tannins, light-footed, salty-minerality, very long with a fascinating freshness. A certain promise for the future.