Saint Pierre 2020

Rich, deep, young, vibrant, this is delicious, just at the begininning of its life, fiercely powerful tannins holding the blueberry and bilberry fruits in place, softened by cocoa dusting and liqourice on the finish. Remi di Constanzo technical director.

Full bottle 1,290 g. Cask sample taken 31 March. Vines with an average age of 50 years. 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.Dark purplish crimson. Tobacco-leaf dry spice on the nose. Pretty flatteringly round palate entry and then some acidity and a hint of oak. Not the most intense on the palate and very unknit at present. Dry finish, not surprisingly… Sturdy rather than ethereal. 13.3%Drink 2027 – 2043

(79% CS, 15% M, 6% CF; 33hl/ha; 13.3% ABV; 50% new)Fresh, lightly mineral, blackberry-ripe nose, persistent and gently minerally; rich, supple yet fresh, superfine in tannin; juicy, generous, ample, and fleshy, all nicely carried by its underlying defining acidity, long and subtle and gracious to taste, with a very nice length of flavor, and a fine persistence of aftertaste. Delicously fleshy, and flattering in the year and the St-Julien context. This and the Gloria make a lovely pair. 2028–45+.

The 2020 Saint-Pierre has a distinctly Pauillac-like nose with veins of graphite and mint infusing the black fruit, focused and full of tension. This is very classy. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that belie the structure underneath. It has good grip, and comes across quite strict and correct. If I am to quibble, and quibble I will, it maybe doesn’t finish with the fireworks that I have noticed on other recent superlative vintages. Perhaps that might develop in barrel. If so, it will warrant a higher score. 2025 - 2050

A firm, very structured wine from here, with intense tannins that are very polished and long. Pure fruit. One of the best in a long time.

Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Saint-Pierre bursts with baked blackberries, stewed plums and cassis, followed by hints of dried mint, chocolate box and tapenade with a waft of pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled with impressive freshness and ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the energetic black fruits, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, aging for around 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. The alcohol is 13.3%. 2026 - 2047

This is excellent, really the most gorgeous balance of power, with dark blueberry juicy fruits and lots of liquorice. Excellent balance and a seductive overall frame. Great stuff - the tannins are pretty fierce though, needs time, will reward ageing.Drinking Window 2028 - 2044