Chateau Pichon Baron

The Pichon estate was divided by inheritance in 1850 with both of the resulting properties classed as second growths in 1855. Pichon Baron was bought by the Bouteiller family in 1933 and under poor management in the 1960s, 70s and into the 80s, the wines did not live up to expectations. The family sold the estate in 1987 to AXA Millésimes, who invested heavily and as soon as the 1988 vintage quality had soared and over the past 30 years, it has arguably outperformed its hitherto superior neighbour. There are 73 hectares, but not much more than half is used for the grand vin, which is a muscular, Cabernet dominated Pauillac in a similar style to its neighbour Latour.