Wines Pauillac Château Pichon Baron - Les Tourelles de Longueville - 2021

Les Tourelles de Longueville 2021, the second wine from Château Pichon Baron, epitomises the modern style of Pauillac’s approachable yet structured reds. As a classic Médoc blend, it typically draws upon a dominant proportion of Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and traces of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot lending definition and poise. The 2021 vintage in Bordeaux was notably cool and challenging, with a growing season marked by damp conditions and a late, mild summer. As a result, this wine is likely to show fresh, bright fruit, fine tannins, and more moderate alcohol levels compared to warmer years. Vinification at Château Pichon Baron is meticulous: Les Tourelles sees gentle extraction and careful élevage in French oak, delivering clarity of varietal expression and length without undue weight.

Pauillac, situated between Saint-Estèphe to the north and Saint-Julien to the south, is famed for its gravel-rich soils that provide the ideal balance of drainage and warmth for the vines. The region boasts a storied history as the cradle of many of Bordeaux’s iconic estates. This part of the Médoc is moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, which helps temper the rigours of Atlantic weather and extends the growing season—an essential factor in 2021’s cool vintage. Pauillac’s wines are typically celebrated for their depth, earthy backbone, cassis-tinged fruit, and a certain nobility in their ageing trajectory.

For food pairings, Les Tourelles de Longueville’s supple structure and elegant freshness make it an excellent match for classic Bordeaux dishes such as roast lamb with garlic and herbs or entrecôte à la Bordelaise. Slightly lighter in body than Pichon Baron’s grand vin, it also sits beautifully alongside poultry, mushroom dishes, or even lentil-based casseroles. Enhance regional harmony with aged Comté or mild blue cheeses.

To best appreciate its aromatic clarity and refined tannin, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting young vintages for around an hour will help the wine unfurl its subtle aromas and supple texture, offering a true taste of Pauillac’s elegance even in its early years.