The 2017 Château Pibran is a superb wine from the AXA stable (and a close cousin to Château Pichon Baron).

It displays a good colour—moderate to rich garnet with some lingering purple hues. The nose is sweet and inviting, offering aromas of currants, stewed plums, and hints of Ribena. On the palate, it strikes a balance between freshness and depth, with plenty of dark fruit flavours complemented by a soft to moderate mouthfeel. The fruit lingers nicely on the finish, and while the tannins are present, they are not overpowering.

This is a wine built to age for a couple of decades, yet it’s already a pleasure to enjoy, especially paired with venison or other hearty meats.