Pichon Baron, Chateau
Summary
Château Pichon Baron is a Second Growth estate in Pauillac with 72 hectares of deep gravel soils, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines from 30-year-old vines near the Gironde estuary. The estate combines traditional Bordeaux methods with modern precision through its gravity-flow winery and optical sorting technology, aging wines for 18 months in 80% new French oak barrels.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Pichon Baron's history dates to 1694 when Pierre Rauzan established the estate in Pauillac. The property gained prominence in the 19th century, earning classification as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. In 1987, AXA Millésimes acquired the château and initiated comprehensive renovations of both the winemaking facilities and the distinctive turreted château. Christian Seely has served as Managing Director since 2000, overseeing the technical team including Technical Director Jean-René Matignon.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 72 hectares of vineyards in the Pauillac appellation, with plots situated on deep gravel soils underlain by limestone. The vineyard composition consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, with an average vine age of 30 years. The terroir features optimal drainage due to the gravel-dominant soils, while the proximity to the Gironde estuary helps moderate temperatures throughout the growing season.
Philosophy & Practice
Pichon Baron's winemaking approach centers on precision, utilizing temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for fermentation. The 2006 installation of a gravity-flow winery eliminated mechanical pumping of grapes and wine. Since 2009, optical sorting technology ensures strict berry selection. The grand vin ages for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 80% new oak used each vintage. Small-batch vinification allows for plot-by-plot fermentation, enabling detailed expression of the estate's varied terroir.