Vinous - Score: 88 (2019 January)

The 1998 Pichon-Baron has a straightforward bouquet of blackberry and graphite aromas mixed with leather and a touch of tomato vine. It just feels a little conservative compared to others. The palate is medium-bodied and quite foursquare, featuring blackberry, raspberry and a touch of iodine; I find a little greenness coming through toward the finish that detracts from its class. This could be better, but the 1998 plays it too safe. Tasted at the Pichon-Baron vertical at the château.