2016 Château Pichon Baron-Longueville 2. Cru Pauillac

This wonderful second growth château is next door to Château Latour and Château Pichon-Comtesse. Since it was bought by insurance group AXA in the 1980s and managed by the renowned Jean-Michel Cazes, enormous resources have been invested in the château. Hand-picking of the grapes was introduced, several new oak barrels were used, the grape selection has been tightened, and a second wine was also introduced. This was the rebirth of a great Pauillac, and the château was taken up into the "super seconds" category again. Pichon Baron is now on par with Comtessen, although very different, and is in good vintages a serious competitor to Latour.