Chateau Pibran 1999, Pauillac CB
Chateau Pibran 1999 hints notes of ink and minty cassis followed by light bouquet of cedar wood smoke, coffee, and dried herbs. Palate reflects similar characteristics. However, to connoisseurs of older Pauillacs, this Pibran 1999 is relatively light, peppery and simple. It is still good claret giving fine drinking experience. This is a by now a rare claret of charm and value and very difficult to come by. Alcohol is classic 13%, never heady. In the older days, this wine has been selling in the $600 to $800 range(Watson, Remy)
We wish not to buff on a humble CB despite its great association with Mouton, Lynch Bages, Suduriaut, Petit Village, Pontet Canet. We can ponder on its quality and see for yourself, with its second wine La Tour Pibran 1999 getting good and direct comments from Vivino(researched this morning):
Great Bordeaux!
Good nose, colour and full of character. Really enjoyed it!
Excellent!
Château Pibran, now under the guidance of Jean-Michel Cazes of Lynch-Bages, produces with good complexity, weight and concentration. Its 9.5 hectares (later on expanded to 17.5 ha with purchase of land next door) of vineyards stretch across a well-drained gravel bank and border those of Mouton-Rothschild, Lynch-Bages and Pontet Canet. They are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%).
The wines are vinified at Pichon-Baron. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and the wine is matured for 12-15 months in barriques (50% new). Pibran is classified as a cru bourgeois but is now producing wines the equal of many of its more highly classified neighbours.
