Wines Pauillac Château Pichon-Longueville Baron - 2005

Viniou Reviews

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron 2005 is a prestigious Pauillac Grand Cru from Bordeaux, an appellation renowned for producing some of the world's finest red wines. The wine is typically a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though exact proportions can vary year to year. The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux is legendary, marked by ideal growing conditions that yielded wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and longevity. On the palate, expect intense blackcurrant, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cedar, and hints of tobacco and cocoa from well-integrated oak ageing. The tannins are robust and polished, promising a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with remarkable aging potential.

Pauillac sits on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, benefiting from a moderate maritime climate. This proximity to the river tempers both heat and cold, reducing the risk of frost and promoting even ripening. The soils in this area are largely composed of well-draining gravel over clay and limestone, ideal for deep-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon vines that thrive in these conditions. Bordeaux’s history as a centre of the wine trade dates back centuries, and Pauillac in particular has become synonymous with powerful, long-lived reds that are revered by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This wine’s depth and structure make it an excellent partner for classic French cuisine, especially regionally-inspired dishes such as entrecôte bordelaise (ribeye with a rich wine and shallot sauce) or duck breast with a red wine reduction. It also pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled beef, or mature hard cheeses such as aged Comté. For a more indulgent pairing, try Pauillac’s renowned lamb, a testament to the region’s culinary traditions.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one to two hours to allow it to fully express its complex bouquet and soften the tannins. Serve at 17-18°C to highlight its remarkable flavour profile and structure. This wine can easily be cellared for many more years if you wish to further develop its tertiary aromas.