2017 Saint Pierre
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Tasting notes
As with the 2007, you get a clear smoky edge that suggests the fruit was less full and ripe than in some of the bigger vintages. But this has a sculpted quatity and plenty of raspberry leaf and violet aromatics, with cigar box and sage spice, and a ripple of grilled butterscotch. It may well close down for a few years, but right now, if you are wanting to drink a young vintage of Saint Pierre (or rather if it is all you have available to buy) this is without doubt the wine to choose. 50% new oak. Harvest September 18 to 26.
Critic scores
The Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Tones of rye and toast from generous oak on the nose. The palate follows, with a hefty hit of smoky oak and wood tannin, which for now mask the core of brambly fruits. This needs its two sides to knit together – it is unclear at this stage whether they will. (TP)
Just as it was from barrel, the 2017 Saint-Pierre is arrestingly beautiful. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice, new leather, licorice and smoke infuse the 2017 with tons of character. Readers will find a bold, unctuous Saint-Julien bursting at the seams with personality. As always, Saint-Pierre is a dark, brooding Saint-Julien that shows the more virile side of the appellation off to great effect.
About the producer
Henri Martin – the ex-cooper that created Ch. Gloria in the 1940s – purchased this Fourth Growth Saint-Julien estate in 1981. Today it is managed by Martin’s granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Vanessa and Jean Triaud.