| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This is one of the most improved estates in all of Bordeaux. Now making a Saint Julien of top quality from 17 hectares of vines, planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The last few vintages have been of real super-second quality and have matched or beaten the big names in blind tastings.
The 2021 Saint-Pierre is very pretty, offering up aromas of plums, wild berries, sweet spice box, cigar wrapper and nicely integrated new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's a charming, fleshy wine with lively acids and fine length on the finish. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and fully 7% Petit Verdot—the latter having, in fact, been co-planted among Cabernet in some of the estate's older vine holdings, but only formally identified as such now.
The 2021 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is tighter and more controlled on the nose compared to the Gloria, which was picked one day later. It feels nicely focused, with a little more mineral tension. The palate is medium-bodied and a bit coarser than the Gloria. Quite dense, with fine grip, driven along by the Cabernet Sauvignon, and fine tannins. Over three samples, it just narrows a little toward the finish, which is missing a bit of heft. Nevertheless, a commendable and classic Saint-Pierre.
The 2021 is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby colour. Very toasty on the nose, the wood overtaking the the blackcurrant fruit. The palate has more balance, but the wood is still the dominant tone. Sweet, steeped cherries come through more through to te finish, but there are very grippy, full tannin extraction sits more with the wood than fruit. This will need time to knit together, but it seems it will always be a wine for those who like the full spice and smoke of toasted wood.
Blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavors with graphite and licorice. Medium body, fine tannins and a savory finish.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Saint Pierre leaps with vibrant black raspberries and Morello cherries notes, followed by a serious core of cassis, graphite and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is suitably expressive with a chewy texture and well-sustained mid-palate fruit, finishing savory.
2026-2037
Enjoyable damson and red cherry fruit, sandalwood smoke adds depth though the mid palate, with stretched out tannins studded through with white pepper and turmeric. This is bight and well handled, good strcutre, firm tannins, austere but finessed. 34hl/h yield, first year organic conversion, Jean-Michel Comme consultant.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Cassis notes to the fore. Palate firm and structured, the tannins present offering plenty of drive and persistence. Less St-Julien fruit present but solid, upright, the tannic structure firmly in place. Some potential for ageing. (JL)
Drink 2028 – 2040
