Saint Pierre 2016 (750ML)

95 Points, Zachys Buying Team: "Tasted four times. This wine made a tremendous impression on us from barrel, and once again at the recent Zachys / UGC Bordeaux 2016 From Bottle event. And what still holds true from two years ago, is that this is one of the overachievers of Saint-Julien, much like the Martin family sibling of Chateau Gloria. At under $70, it is the little Saint-Julien that can - as it is one of the great values of the Left Bank. It is a fuller, chewy expression - a plush mouthful of juicy red and black fruit - blackberries, morello cherries, cassis, kirsch, accompanied by nuances of red licorice, cedar, and tobacco. This is a Fourth Growth that punches above its weight class and is a wine to watch. It is one of our MUST-BUYS from 2016 and will offer more approachability on the palate and in the wallet than many of it Saint-Julien neighbors and Pauillac friends down the road."

94+ Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Aged for 14 months in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French oak and blended of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Saint-Pierre leaps from the glass with exuberant Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and cassis with hints of cigars, earth and violets with a waft of iron ore. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm frame of grainy tannins with fantastic energy and depth, finishing on a lingering chocolaty note." 11/18

95 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 Saint-Pierre has an intriguing bouquet of baked black cherries, dark chocolate, espresso and gamy notes, the oak regime more prominent compared to its peers within this Saint-Julien flight. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, and the oak is more assimilated here than on the nose. Nicely detailed and very poised, although there is a touch of dryness right on the finish. I suspect there will be improvement with bottle age. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting." 08/20

94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2016 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is a powerful, brooding Saint-Julien. Smoke, game, licorice, menthol and grilled herbs add to a feeling of gravitas and pure power. Huge on the palate, with tremendous depth and exceptional balance, Saint-Pierre is once again one of the Sleeper wines of the Left Bank. Don't miss it. Tasted two times." 01/19

96 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This is fantastic, offering lots of fresh tobacco and blackcurrants and undertones of hazelnuts and chocolate. Full-bodied with firm and chewy tannins, yet ever so polished and refined. One of the most structured St. Pierre’s in years. A blend of 73 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 21 per cent merlot and six per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2024." 02/19

95 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Highly coloured in the glass, with aromas of violets spiraling through. On the palate this is more bilberry and blueberry than tight cassis, with slate and bitter coffee ground notes. There's very little light peeking through the tannins at this stage, and again I get the architectural feel of a 2010. Monumental and extremely accomplished, this is easy to recommend, living up to its early promise. Matured in 50% new oak, with malo partly in barrel. Drinking window 2024 - 2040" 10/18

96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "Coming from 50-year-old vines and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Chateau Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is in the same ballpark as the 2015 yet shows a slightly more elegant, classic feel, which is very much in the style of the vintage. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, crushed rocks, tobacco, and lead pencil shavings as well as some smoky notes with time in the glass all flow to a deep, full-bodied, concentrated Saint-Julien that has fine tannin, flawless balance and integration, no hard edges, and a great finish. This brilliant wine from winemaker Jean-Louis Triaud will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25-30 years." 02/19