Michael Schuster | Closed to smell, but tight and very mineral; rich, vital, finely tannic, a very fine second-wine constitution, in a slightly more austere register for RC; tasting sweet and juicy, very Cabernet Sauvignon despite the dominance of Merlot, but the flesh of the Merlot also clear; both flesh and complexity here, very long and close-grained to taste, dark and vital, and with lovely fragrant persistence. Some way from the aromatic volume of Pichon itself, but so elegant, so complete. A superb-quality second wine, with almost a grand vin character. So supple that it is likely to be drinkable fairly early, but will keep for decades. 2026–40+.