The estate was founded in the late 17th Century, also known as the Grand Siècle, or “great century”, in reference to Louis XIV’s accession to the French throne in 1661. The Sun King was to enhance the reputation of French culture, including its wines, throughout Europe.
Baron Raoul was proud of his prestigious property, and in 1851 he commissioned the imposing château, built in the Renaissance style, that we know today. Ever since, this uniquely charming and romantic château with its two emblematic turrets has stood proudly at the heart of the 73-hectare vineyard.
Baron Raoul was proud of his prestigious property, and in 1851 he commissioned the imposing château, built in the Renaissance style, that we know today. Ever since, this uniquely charming and romantic château with its two emblematic turrets has stood proudly at the heart of the 73-hectare vineyard.
During the Universal Exhibition of 1855, the wine was classed as a Second Cru Classé according to the ranking system requested by Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to showcase the great wines of Bordeaux
An architectural competition was launched with the Pompidou Centre in Paris with a view to providing the estate with new operational buildings. Total reconstruction of the fermenting room and cellars, and renovation of the château itself, began in 1988.
Since then, the 19th century château has been mirrored in an ornamental pool which stretches out majestically before it. And since 2006, its silvery expanse also conceals an underground cellar, somewhat reminiscent of Jules Verne’s Nautilus, with windows looking out on water and sky.
Pauillac is a red vin de garde (wine for laying down) which requires a little patience (a few years) before its full potential is revealed. On the nose, Pauillac is a very concentrated and complex wine. It is dominated by aromas of summer fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, plum), spices (vanilla, pepper, mint, liquorice) and wood (cedar, roasted and toasted notes).
The wine is very full-bodied on the palate. When perfectly mature the tannins become smoother while supporting the wine’s powerful aromas with great length. One of Pauillac’s distinctive features is its perfect balance: powerful and full-bodied, yet aromatically subtle and delicate.
Chateau Pichon Baron
Copr: Sanghamitra2015
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