2009 Chateau Pibran, Pauillac 1x75cl

Neal Martin 88

The 2009 Pibran has a precocious bouquet of sumptuous black cherries, creme 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 Chateau Pichon-Baron. [Neal Martin, 30/01/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030

Vinous 89

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. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2012]

Wine Advocate 88

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. There is a lot of ripe fleshy Merlot on the nose with wild strawberry and red cherry scents. Composed and refined compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It is linear, crisp and harmonious, though not overly complex towards the finish. I was hoping for a little more after its performance last year. Tasted January 2013. [Neal Martin, 01/01/2013]

JancisRobinson.com 15.5

Dense and fragrant but a bit bitter on the finish. Overextracted but impressive density. [16/01/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2025