The 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is superb. Silky, elegant and wonderfully refined, the Griffons is all class, all the way. I admire its mid-weight structure and polished feel. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Plum, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal linger effortlessly.

On the floral side, with accents of espresso, mint, chocolate, cassis, and blackberries for the core of the perfume. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is elegant, fresh, and chewy, The red berries are soft, refined, bright, crisp, and chewy. This is a perfect example of a modern, styled classic Pauillac, focused on its vibrancy, length, and freshness. The wine was created from a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. This is the highest percentage of Cabernet ever used in the blend.13.2% ABV, 3.8 pH. Drink from 2028-2042.

The slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant 2023 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is more serious, with a focused, straight, structured style. Cassis black raspberries, spice, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied and focused, with plenty of structure and outstanding length. I think it will be longer-lived than the Tourelles, but both of these so-called second wines are beautiful.

The 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron represents 21% of the production in this vintage. Matured in 50% new oak, it has a seductive, creamy nose, displaying blackberries and cassis fruit with touches of crushed violet and orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins on the entry, a very pretty Les Griffons with white pepper and a dab of lemon rind that lends tension on the finish. This is not a powerful Pauillac, but it is flush with charm.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron comes barreling out with exuberant notes of blackcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, and kirsch leading to hints of candied violets, fragrant soil, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate delivers a good intensity of crunchy black fruit flavors supported by grainy tannins and well-knit acidity, finishing with lovely purity. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Based around 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron reflects the style of the grand vin, offering up aromas of cassis, sweet red berries, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a deep core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish.

A juicy and fruity wine with blackcurrant, chocolate and spice. Medium body and a fluid center-palate. Nice tannins. Needs a little more on the finish. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot and 2% petit verdot.

Full bottle 1,344 g. 100% Sémillon, made from a mass selection taken from the finest parts of the vineyard of Ch Suduiraut in Sauternes, grafted in 2018 onto 20-year-old vines in a cool chalky terroir in the northern part of their Pauillac vineyards, known as Boua. After direct pressing (whole bunches), the wine was vinified in 1-year-old oak barrels without malo and subsequently matured in the barrel for 9 months, with regular lees stirring. Rich nose – richer than many Sémillons made outside Europe. Very smooth textured with masses of fruit and fine acidity. Still quite youthful but it could certainly be enjoyed already. Very long. This seems much livelier than the dry white of Suduiraut. A wine with a beginning, middle and end. Well done! (JR)

57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 21% of the production. Cask sample. Fresh and aromatic with blueberry notes and energy on the palate. Lighter tannins so not for the long haul but should drink well early. (JL)