2009 Pibran

The 2009 Pibran has a precocious bouquet of sumptuous black cherries, crème de cassis and violet aromas: Pauillac mixed with Margaux. I admire the purity and ostentatious nature of this Pibran. The voluminous palate is medium-bodied with bold tannin, although it lacks a little tension and detail toward the finish and leaves a slight metallic aftertaste that is nagging. Tasted at the Pibran vertical at Château Pichon-Baron.

Dense and fragrant but a bit bitter on the finish. Overextracted but impressive density. (JR)

Moderately saturated medium red-ruby. Expressive aromas of currant, spices, licorice, coffee and tobacco leaf. Sweet and lush for this bottling, with very ripe cherry and dark berry fruit flavors complicated by roasted herbs. Not hugely deep, but harmonious acidity intensifies and enlivens the middle palate. This nicely high-pitched Pibran should give early pleasure and evolve gracefully over the next 10 to 12 years.