Château Pibran, now under the guidance Christian Seely and the AXA-Millesimes team, produces with good complexity, weight and concentration. Its 9.5 hectares 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.
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...(read more)
Neal Martin, www.vinous.com