2011 Saint-Pierre
By Chateau Saint-Pierre
2011 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the annals of St-Julien, the 2011 vintage of Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre has etched its presence with understated nobility. A year that demanded savoir-faire from vintners, 2011 presented challenges with fluctuating climatic conditions, yet what emerged from the crucible was a testament to the resilience and dedication imbued within this admired chateau.
A Vintage Shaped by Time and Tenacity
Describing the 2011 vintage is to understand a narrative of adaptation and painstaking effort. Mercurial weather during the growing season prompted Chateau Saint-Pierre’s team to employ their encyclopaedic knowledge of their vines and micro-terroir, curating a sculpted finesse in the bottle. This dedication resulted in a wine that invigorates with its vibrancy and endurance—key attributes for discerning wine investment connoisseurs.
An Oenological Tapestry of Structure and Sensuality
The 2011 Saint-Pierre harmoniously fuses the tannic structure indicative of St-Julien's terroir with the sensuous allure of dark fruit nuances. The complexity on offer here is compelling—a stark contrast of robustness against a backdrop of fruit-driven pliability. It makes one appreciate the dexterity involved in nurturing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes through Bordeaux's capricious year.
Uncorking a bottle of this wine reveals an olfactory bouquet marked by cassis and pencil shaving notes, a calling card of classical Bordeaux elegance enshrined within a vintage marked by concentrated dark berries and an earthy undertone. On the palate, there’s an interplay of licorice hints and polished oak—gifts from conscientious ageing that suggest further potential for evolution in the cellar.
The 2011 Saint-Pierre is one of contemplative depth, framed by its own vintage-specific signature—one that conveys not only the resilience but also the quiet triumph over adversity. Leaning into its maturity curve, this wine is admirably settled for those looking to diversify their portfolios with a piece of viticultural artistry born out of a challenging year.
A Worthy Addition to Any Astute Collection
This vintage illustrates the profound connection between wine and time, showing patient investors how orchestrated vinification and precise timing can produce liquid treasures. As it stands today, the 2011 Saint-Pierre from Chateau Saint-Pierre emerges as an exquisite representation of resilience—a key consideration when seeking an enduring addition to one's fine wine investment ensemble.
Market price (CAD)
$530.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
26.67
Scores and tasting notes
The Saint Pierre is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. It has a wonderful bouquet that equals the 2009 and 2010 with superb delineation and focus, surfeit with exuberant red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with mineral rich raspberry and strawberry fruit struck through with graphite and tobacco. Very poised on the finish, this is a very impressive Saint Julien. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
This 2011 boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as copious notes of creme de cassis, incense, lead pencil shavings and perhaps a hint of truffles. Medium to full-bodied with surprising density, impressive purity, decent acidity and serious length, this St.-Julien should easily last for two decades or more. While the 2011 Saint-Pierre will not make anyone forget the 2009 or 2010, it is an outstanding effort. Yields were somewhat higher than at other estates (42 hectoliters per hectare), and the final blend includes a whopping 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc that came in at 13% natural alcohol. Proprietor Jean-Louis Triaud has been on a qualitative tear with this estate as well as with his much larger property, Gloria.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200