2016 Pibran

Loads of cassis, graphite, and pencil lead notes dominate the bouquet of the 2016 Château Pibran, which is deeply colored, full-bodied, and nicely textured on the palate. It’s another incredibly classy wine from the northern regions of the Médoc that has enough fruit and texture to offer pleasure today, yet will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise in cold cellars.

The 2016 Pibran, which contains 68% Merlot, had just been bottled when I conducted the vertical tasting. It has a fabulous bouquet of black currant and black cherry fruit, beautifully defined and seamlessly integrated with the oak. The medium-bodied palate offers exquisite pure black fruit laced with graphite. It conveys energy and tension, and the finish is supremely detailed and sophisticated. This is a seriously good Pibran, probably the best ever made. Tasted at the Pibran vertical at Château Pichon-Baron.

This is a vivacious and very attractive, ripe Pauillac with aromas of ripe red plums, cherries and blackberries on offer. The palate has a plush, refined and suave array of very attractive, fine but dense tannins and the rich blackberries, plums and mulberries carry long and super fresh. Try from 2023.