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Château Pibran has always had a story to tell, but with every vintage, it writes a new chapter. A true hidden gem in Pauillac, this wine embodies the spirit of its storied past while embracing the modern era of winemaking. The estate’s journey began in the early 20th century when it was first acquired by Paul Pibran Billa. In 1941, he put his name on the estate, renaming it Château Pibran. Fast forward to 1987, and the AXA Group – the powerhouse behind legendary estates like Château Pichon Baron – stepped in, taking Pibran to the next level.

The AXA Group’s investment turned Château Pibran into something extraordinary. With major renovations, replanted vineyards, and a cutting-edge drainage system, the estate was primed for greatness. Under the watchful eye of Christian Seely since 2000, Château Pibran has risen to prominence, producing wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with Pauillac’s finest. But the transformation didn’t stop there. In 2001, the estate grew even further when AXA purchased neighboring Château La Tour Pibran, bringing more prime Pauillac terroir into the fold.

Let’s talk about the wine. The 2022 vintage of Château Pibran is a serious contender in the Pauillac scene, and it’s here to make a statement. With a blend of 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a touch of Cabernet Franc, this wine has the pedigree and the balance that only Pauillac can offer. It’s a Merlot-heavy blend – a rarity in Pauillac – giving it a smooth, approachable character without sacrificing that signature Bordeaux intensity. And those 30-year-old vines? They’ve weathered the test of time, and their roots run deep into the gravelly soils of the Médoc, soaking up all that history and terroir.

What makes Château Pibran stand out, though, is its exceptional value. It may not have the pedigree of Mouton Rothschild or Pontet Canet, but this wine has that same bold Pauillac power, at a fraction of the price. This is Pauillac without the inflated prices – an estate that’s delivering quality you can count on, vintage after vintage.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 95 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A new paradigm for Bordeaux. Very aromatic and sleek, fresh and pure in feel, with all major varietals performing well; far more consistent than the 2018-2020 trio."

55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Château Pibran is brilliant and probably the finest I've tasted from this château. A vivid purple hue is followed by a fine, elegant, medium to full-bodied, ripe Pauillac that has remarkable purity in its cassis, redcurrants, spicy oak, and floral aromas and flavors. I love its balance, and it brings the richness of the vintage while staying flawlessly balanced. ~95 Jeb Dunnuck

Under the same ownership as Château Pichon Baron, the estate is in good shape. The wine has a fine balance between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—its tannins soft and its black fruits with lifted freshness. ~94 Wine Enthusiast

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Delicately savoury underlying red cherry fruit, hints of liquorice and tobacco, candied orange zest. Juicy, sweet cherry fruit, elegant, fresh acidity, textured, mineral. Fine fruit expression in the finish, already very tempting. ~94 Falstaff

This shows tapenade and some wood spices that aren’t yet fully integrated on the nose. Black cherries, black bean puree and dark currants too. Flavorful and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with firm tannins and a fine-grained finish. Give it at least two more years in bottle. Drink from 2028. ~93 James Suckling

Lovely from start to finish, this offers a caressing core of warmed cassis and plum sauce, while notes of ink, violet and anise filter through. A perfumed cedar and sandalwood frame gently guides the finish, where an echo of warm earth lingers amid the fruit. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2026 through 2036. 766 cases made. ~93 Wine Spectator

This small vineyard has given a ripe wine with la licorice aroma, velvet tannins and rich black fruits. Drink from 2027. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

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