Wine Advisor
Pibran 2020
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Aromas of cassis, raw cocoa, licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2020 Pibran, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Pibran is being aged for an estimated 18 months in French oak, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little shy to begin, requiring considerable swirling to unlock wonderfully pure scents of crushed blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and wild blueberries, plus hints of lilacs, wild sage, pencil lead and cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth in expressive, well-defined black fruits, supported by grainy tannins and well-balanced acidity, finishing long and mineral laced.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2020 Pibran has one of the earthier aromatics, quite floral and becoming spicier with aeration. It just needs time to knit together. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, quite tensile with a linear, slightly conservative yet fresh finish. Maybe just missing a little persistence on the aftertaste.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A big, rich Pibran with plenty of blackberry, tar and some lead pencil. It’s full and layered. Extremely well done. 55% merlot and 45% cabernet sauvignon.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A firm and fresh red with blackcurrants and chocolate. Hazelnut. Medium to full body. Blueberries. Crushed stone. Extremely well done. Better after 2026.
About the Producer
The birth of Chateau Pibran dates back to the start of the 20th century. The estate was bought in 1941 by Paul Pibran Billa. Paul Pibran Billa renamed the property, using his middle name of Pibran. From that day forward the estate was known as Chateau Pibran.Chateau Pibran was purchased by the AXA group in 1987 from the Billa family. At the time of the purchase, Jean Michel Cazes of Chateau Lynch Bages was placed in charge of managing the estate for AXA.In 2001, the AXA group enlarged the estate with the purchase of additional vines in Pauillac when they obtained the neighboring estate, Chateau La Tour Pibran from the Gounel family. The 17-hectare vineyard of Chateau Pibran is planted to 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Petit Verdot was removed and replaced by the Cabernet Franc. With that much Merlot planted in their vineyards, Chateau Pibran has perhaps the largest percentage of Merlot in Pauillac.
