Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Admirably full-bodied and forthright, with the aromatic profile of a true Pauillac (Havana tobacco and Latour-like nuances of iron), firm, classy tannins, and terrific potential. A great wine and, compared with the premiers crus, a great bargain in the making, too! 18

Michael Schuster: Dense, complex, mineral-fruited, and cedar new-wood nose; complete, elegant wine with the firm acidity and fine tannin well covered by its fruit richness; long, generous, sweet-cored flavor, complex, vital, tight-grained, finely muscular, and with lovely length. Very fine Pichon Baron—a classy, long-term Pauillac. 2022–35+. 17/17.5