2012 Pibran
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Pibran has a ripe, forward, black cherry and raspberry bouquet, the Merlot component very expressive and lending vivacious allure to the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins on the entry. A pleasant edginess supplies fine tension and energy on the finish. This 2012 Pauillac comes recommended, and I can see it giving another decade’s worth of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Pibran vertical at Château Pichon-Baron.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Rich and ripe on the nose. Polished tannins, a distinct lack of fruit weight but pretty classic stuff. Green finish. (JR)
The 2012 Pibran is soft, supple and very nicely balanced. Sweet plum, cinnamon, rose petal and tobacco notes open up in a plush, fruit-driven Pauillac to drink young, while the fruit retains its vibrancy. Silky tannins add elegance to the creamy, generous finish. The blend is 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a lovely effort from Pibran.
This is a somewhat of a sleeper, under-the-radar property that is not terribly well-known, but seems to consistently make wines well above its pedigree. This wine, which is vinified by the same team that makes the famous Château Pichon Baron, has an inky purple color. The wine reveals loads of blueberry and black raspberry fruit, sweet tannin and medium body, not much complexity, but is a big, juicy, succulent mouthful of fruit. This wine will develop more complexity over the next 5-8 years and last for 15 or more. This is a sleeper of the vintage.