Just one sniff reveals that this wine is not only stunning, but it also stands apart in a class of its own. Almost opaque in color, the wine\'s aroma bursts with an extravagant mix of tobacco, blackberries, black currants, licorice, lead pencil, cedar, and cocoa. However, it’s that first sip, with its palate-staining levels of fruit, that compels you to pause and taste it again. The exceptional mouthfeel, showcasing its length, intensity, depth of flavor, and expansiveness, along with its refinement and purity, indicates that this is one of the vintage\'s greatest achievements. The first vintage crafted under the guidance of the estate\'s new Technical Director, Pierre Montegut, is undeniably successful. Fans of Pichon Baron will undoubtedly want this gem in their cellar. Drink from 2030-2065.

(WE 97-99 points) This is already shaping up to being one of the stars of the vintage. With its great fruit, fully enveloped by the structure and tannins, the wine has been set well for the future. The aromatic black fruits are intense and concentrated. — Roger Voss

Wonderfully aromatic and expressive, with dark fruit, floral scents, chocolate, cinnamon and liquorice. Smooth, svelte, bursting with energy. Juicy strawberries and cherries have crunch from fine tannins and mineral edges. Calm and controlled, yet quietly powerful. Fruit and oak emerge over time, layering chalky, powdery, ripe, spiced and fresh textures. Ends as joyously as it starts, and very moreish.

What a nose with complex aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, graphite and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, this has layers of tannins and intense richness but is framed and held together by the phenolic structure. Vertical and deep, it goes on for minutes on the palate. Great finish. 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot. Give this five to six years to come together more. Best after 2030 and beyond.

The 2022 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is young and unevolved, with a barrel sample-like feel, offering cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and incredible purity. Powerful and structured, it has remarkable depth, rock-solid concentration, and seamless integrated structure and tannins. Based on 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot aged 18 months in 70% new oak, this classically styled, inward Pauillac is one of the most promising wines of the vintage and should evolve for 40+ years.

Aromas of sweet dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and licorice introduce the 2022 Pichon-Longueville Baron, a full-bodied, layered and multidimensional wine that's deep, dense and lively, with terrific concentration, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Integrated and serious, this hints at the lavishness inherent to the vintage, while remaining classic and controlled. This blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot was bottled in June. - William Kelley

The 2022 Pichon Baron is one of the most elegant, polished wines I have ever tasted here. Silky and refined, the 2022 is super-impressive right out of the gate. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Blood orange, herbs and floral notes lend notable delineation to a core of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. As I did en primeur, I find the wine's balance nothing short of exquisite. There's more freshness and vibrancy here than in the past, along with a noticeably lower oak imprint and more sensual tannins that lend notable sophistication throughout. The Grand Vin spent 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new, and then two months in wood vats prior to bottling. -- Antonio Galloni

This towering red offers a remarkable combination of freshness and weight. The well-endowed core of cassis, plum and black cherry puree shows polish and brightness, and a sleek iron note keeps this grounded. That background is laced with rose petal, iris and apple wood, while a subtle savory twinge percolates throughout in a way that only a classic Bordeaux can accomplish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2050. - JM

Beautiful depth through the palate, this is a gorgeous wine, so deft and well handled, excellent quality, bitter cocoa bean, black chocolate, luscious but restrained, layered red roses, powerful, concentrated, with length, and the tightness of En Primeur has loosened and softened just enough to show the beauty of the fruit. 70% new barrels for ageing. A two point upscore.

The grand vin from Pierre Montegut and team is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by 19% Merlot. A rich, open and expressive nose, in a brighter and fresher style than many have produced in this vintage, with elements of toast, rather fresh and lightly caramelised fruit, powdered chalk and crushed gravel, with touches of crushed iris, verbena and red pepper. The palate shows the same character, with finely grained tannins, peppered fruits, dried blackcurrants and blackberries, with a little flourish of grip and a bed of tightly knit very fine and powdery tannins which lend it a sense of energy in the finish. An impressive cuvée, one which has plenty of energy and grip, and it comes in at the top of my ranged primeurs score. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14%. - Chris Kissack