Interestingly, neither Robert Parker or I have reviewed the 2007 Pibran in bottle, so when I had a spare nanosecond in Pauillac I popped into Pichon Baron and asked if they could open one. Although it is beginning to show signs of aging on the rim, the nose is surprisingly youthful with blackberry, hoisin and cedar scents unfurling in the glass. Later there are quite entrancing scents of incense and potpourri that emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin. The secondary flavors impart a lovely dried blood, almost ferrous element into the black fruit, and there remains plenty of freshness on the finish. This is à point, a Pibran that shows that at ten years it can really deliver.

Concentrated blackcurrant fruit, elegant oak spice accents. Excellent palate weight showing good black fruit and well-integrated oak balanced by bright acidity and linen-textured tannins. An excellent wine in 2007.